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Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Thon Hotel Cecil; City: Oslo Eastern Norway; Review: Good breakfast, reasonable room and great help from the hotel staff. We had a problem changing our reservation as it was pre-paid via Expedia, but the hotel staff would not stop until they go us the right person at Expedia who cheerfully dropped a day from our stay and refunded that payment. Very friendly and helpful staff at other times.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel and Spa Chateau de Verrieres in Saumur; City: Saumur Maine et Loire Pays de la Loire; Review: Our stay here was the jewel in the crown of a great bicycle trip that ended in Saumur. After a lot of really great places to stay on our bicycle trip we really enjoyed the elegant and cozy atmosphere of this special Chateau. Our hosts made us part of their home along with their dog Uno who escorted us along the pathways of the grounds and showed us the route to breakfast most mornings. There are various rooms, but we found ours thoughtfully decorated and laid out. Others were even more marvelous. We were pleased to see our hosts working around the house to make it presentable and welcoming. Afterall, we work hard on our own home and understand that a beautiful home requires a level of commitment. This stay makes Saumur pop out in the Loire valley which is studded with great places to stay……….; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Villa Borobudur Resort; City: Borobudur Magelang Central Java Java; Review: We had a lovely time at a place with great views of Borobudur . It was unnecessary to go for a sunrise tour as you could watch the sun set or rise over Borobudur from the comfort of your living room. The service was very good as many people would come in and raise/lower blinds , clean up or serve food . We never went to a reception just arrived or left from our Villa. My only regret was not staying longer at a beautiful place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: El Dorado Nature Reserve; City: Minca Santa Marta District Magdalena Department; Review: This is a very pleasant place to stay and see the wondrous array of hummingbirds on the property. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful.... wishing to make a very pleasant experience for their guests. There are few trails to look around as well as being in the reserve with its access to more birdlife. The rooms are very pleasant and comfortable. Be sure to make sure the geyser is turned on for hot water if you are in an outer building.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tongan Beach Resort; City: Neiafu Vava u Islands; Review: We went to the Tongan Beach resort to go on a Humpback whale trip which was enormously successful seeing and swimming with the whales on both days. Were able to leave from the dock in front. Saw babies and escort males......a truly wondrous experience. The place is genuinely fun and pleasant to stay at with a decidedly Tongan flavor. The hosts were helpful and made you feel at home. The rooms were very nice and the showers with a glass ceiling were a big addition.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Clicking with Your Dog: Step-by-Step in Pictures (Karen Pryor Clicker Books); Author: Visit Amazon's Peggy Tillman Page; Review: I got this book with my new puppy and was tremendously impressed with how fast she learned to do things. It works great to tell her when she is doing the right thing. I wore my clicker attached to my belt loop all of the time when she was young but only take it out now when I want to try to teach a new trick (She is now 2 years old). She perks up immediately because she has learned how to learn and that learning new things is fun. People are always impressed when she picks up her toys and returns them to the basket. She can weave through my legs as I walk, go in reverse, spin, play dead, and do all of the standard things like go to her mat, sit, beg, lie down, roll over, open a door, and many other things. This book works mainly by drawings so you know right away what to do. I loved it and sent a copy to my nephew as soon as I heard he had gotten a puppy. If you want more words and background information, then buy The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs. I would start with Clicking with Your Dog first or get both at the same time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Canceled Czech (Evan Tanner); Author: Visit Amazon's Lawrence Block Page; Review: I thought this book was a waste of time. I threw it in the trash when I finished reading it rather than giving it to one of my siblings. I did not like a single one of the characters, including the protagonist. The plot was kind of far-fetched and the ending was not good. I did not even list it on (...); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Successful Shotgunning: How to Build Skill in the Field and Take More Birds in Competition; Author: Visit Amazon's Peter F. Blakeley Page; Review: Probably my own fault but I thought this book would be more useful for me as a beginning trapshooter. It was largely about bird shooting and sporting clays with a bit about skeet. Disappointing to me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Child In Our Hearts; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Janson Page; Review: This would be a good book to share with adopted children, especially very young ones. It explains the need parents have to find the child that is in their hearts. My family has several adopted children and the parents wished they had this when the kids were small. The illustrations are well done also.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dog on It: A Chet and Bernie Mystery (Chet and Bernie Mysteries); Author: Visit Amazon's Spencer Quinn Page; Review: This is a fun book narrated by the dog Chet who works with his human friend Bernie, who is a detective. I recommend it highly especially to anyone who has ever had a dog friend. Then read all of the subsequent books. They are best read in order.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mal Practice; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Janson Page; Review: I enjoyed this first published novel by Dr. Paul Janson. He makes the medical part of the book easy to understand by the lay readers. Much of the story is told through the dialogue of the characters. It is frequently amusing. There is a tension and excitement in the book when it becomes clear that the 4 year old child who died, ostensibly due to the incompetence of our hero, Joe, a pediatrician, actually was murdered and that Joe himself is now a target. I especially liked Joe and his soon to be divorced wife and the girl who may be replacing the wife. The book ends with the possibility of more books with these characters. I would enjoy finding out what becomes of them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scratch: a novel of magic; Author: Paul A Janson; Review: This is a different sort of book. It is intended for young adults but can be read by anyone who enjoys family interactions, excitement, and intriguing animals. The cat's scratch leads people to end up in the ER (the author is an emergency room physician) where they learn of more serious illnesses that then can be treated in time. The cat is also able to change people by scratching them so everything turns out ok in the end. There are a number of topics discussed such as homework, school rules, physical and emotional abuse, police work, mental illness, and family. The heroines are sisters who are in the sixth and the seventh grades. The book is a quick read and should be enjoyable for anyone from about 5th grade up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mother Load; Author: Nancy Crochiere; Review: I greatly enjoyed this book. Somehow I have not found humor to be very humorous lately but this book did make me laugh out loud at some of the comments. Unfortunately for the author, I did not buy this book as it was loaned to me by my sister. However, I enjoyed it enough that I have purchased one and sent it to a friend who is in rehab after a hospital stay. I think it will cheer her up immensely.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ice Cream War: a mystery of hot fudge and murder; Author: Dr. Paul Anthony Janson; Review: This is a cute mystery of murder in an ice cream shop that is competing with the ice cream shop of the heroine, Mary. How could a murder be cute? The interactions of the characters with each other is intriguing. The perpetrator of the murder is difficult to figure out but all is well in the end. There is a lot of dialogue but that did not bother me as it disturbed some reviewers. I bought another book to send to a sick friend. I thought it would cheer her up. Most people will enjoy this light book. Apparently family members of the author have an ice cream shop so that explains the setting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Chaplet of Divine Mercy In Song; Author: Visit Amazon's Trish Short Page; Review: This is great if you want to listen to the chaplet and to sing along as you drive, for example. There are 2 other songs included that were so terrible I have not been able to listen to them all the way through. I just skip them when I do the chaplet.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Protur Bonaire Aparthotel; City: Cala Bona Majorca Balearic Islands; Review: We are a family of 4 - kids aged 7 and 10 and they want to go back next year. The hotel is lovely - much more compact than it looks in the photos. Many have said that the rooms are dated but they are perfectly functional with a small hob, microwave, toaster and kettle and plenty of dishes and that all important fridge. TV showing CBBC which was handy for the kids before trotting to the pool. As for the pool, we were there early July and yes, sunbeds do get reserved, but isn't that normally what happens on holiday. I normally went down at about 8am and always found some available and the odd brolley now and again. Space around the shallow end is limited but the splash pool has lots of room surrounding it. I think that it is a bit unrealistic to expect to find beds at 9am knowing what the Brits are like! They did make an announcement when we were there saying that some beds were being reserved as early as 4.30 am and that the management were unhappy - wasn't up to see that! Restaurant is nice - British sausages for breakfast and a good selection of other stuff. It can be a bit manic in the mornings and we sometimes struggled to get a table. There is a self service snackbar for all inc from 12noon to 3pm serving the usual fare - chips/burgers etc but also cheesemcold meat and salad. Evening dinner was less hectic than breakfast again with a good selection of food - we never went hungry and can't see how people can complain about the standard. Evening entertainment was great compared to the Holiday Village Viva last year which for adults was dreadful. Ouf of the 7 nights we had 4 outside acts and the other nights the team put on 2 quizzes which fully engaged the audience and a great panto. Yes it is cheesey but what do people expect from a family resort. Flipper the head entertainer was great with the kids and had a few side jokes for us adults too. Stage area is well set out and tiered. Games through the day which kids eventually joined in and had a great time. They didn't use the kids clubs. I can't say a bad word about the entertainment team at his hotel who work long hours but do a good job. Splash it every day in the pool - kids loved it. Bar staff are very friendly and efficient with no long queues. There is a self service fridge for the kids ice lollies too. Restaurant staff also very pleasant too. Thomson have a Swap Box at their desk - always worth a look for books and other sundries. Cala Bona is beautiful and only a 5 minute walk from the hotel. There is also a small park with bungee trampolines, go karts etc. There are also pony rides too but be warned you have to lead the pony and the 2 that we had were rather; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Premier Inn Glasgow East Kilbride Peel Park Hotel; City: East Kilbride South Lanarkshire Scotl; Review: Great deal on advanced booking [non refundable] costing only £25 for the night. Room was large with an extremely comfy bed and choice of pillows. Shower hot and pressure was good too. Only downside was room being at front of the hotel so was woken up at 6.30am with a delivery van outside so a room at the back would have been better. To sum up, this is a very clean, modern hotel with everything you need for an overnight stay or two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Pavillon Bastille; City: Paris Ile de France; Review: Stayed here from 8-10 March for husbands birthday and what a find! Receptionist was very friendly at check in and she had helped us to choose a restaurant before we arrived, namely Bofinger which was excellent. We were given lots of information on Paris at reception which was unexpected and very useful. Our room was spotless with a comfortable bed and full bath and shower with toiletries. Tea. coffee and mini bar also provided. Continental breakfast was served in a bright room with lots of choice. The hotel is a stones throw from the metro and the Bastille and we also walked to Notre Dame. It is in a perfect location for exploring the city. In summary. we were so lucky to have found such a lovely hotel at a good price in central Paris and only wish we could have stayed longer. We could not have asked for better. Thank you so much and hope to return in the future!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Queens Head; City: Rothbury Northumberland National Park Northumberland England; Review: Stayed here for 1 night on 16.8.14 for Simple Minds concert at Alnwick Castle. Welcomed by a very friendly chap who took us up to room 15 which is at the front of the hotel overlooking a nice high street. The room was large with a very comfy bed and was well equipped with everything we needed. We did not go for breakfast as we had a late night at the concert and we were very glad of the hotel bar which is very nice and served local ales. Bar man was very friendly. I would also like to mention the taxi firm that we used - booked online who arrived on time to take us to Alnwick and also collected us after the concert. Friendly driver and very clean cab. They are called Cheap Alnwick taxis and you can get costs and book online. Rothbury is lovely and we wished that we could stay another night but alas this was not the case. We would definately return to this hotel if we were back in the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Blue Hotel; City: Blackpool Lancashire England; Review: Stayed for 3 nights from 13/715 in a deluxe family room with 6 ft bunk beds. Room was a good size with a king size bed and large tv on the wall with dvd player. Kids also had a TV each with a ps 3 - you can hire games and dvds from reception. There was also a full size ironing board, iron and hairdryer and lots of storage space. We were facing the pleasure beach and be warned that they start testing the rides at 8am every morning. This didn't bother us but it might annoy some customers. Our bed was comfy but we all found the pillows to be too hard and the kids bunk beds squeaked every time they moved which did hamper our sleep and theirs. Breakfast was buffet style with lots of choice, We had to wait up to 20 minutes for our table on 2 out of the 3 mornings as it does get very busy after 9am. This did not bother us and the lady who seated us was always very pleasant even though she was under pressure. There is free wi-fi but it was difficult to log on to use this and it didnt always work very well which was a let down. We had no problems getting parked in the free car park. The bar area is lovely for a drink before bed. Normal bar prices. The whole hotel was totally spotless and the staff were all very pleasant. The location is not central but we did know this when we booked and their are frequent trams to take you to the central promenade. We booked discounted pleasure beack tickets at reception but please be aware that in early/mid July there are lots of school groups which we were unaware of and on the day we visited there were 7000 kids. The park was jam packed and we had to return later on which limited our time there. Worth checking direct with the park before you book. The hotel does cost more than standard Blackpool hotels but it was worth every penny as it is definitely a 4 star hotel and deserves to have this rating. Clean, comfy, great facilities, nice guests - what more could you want. We would definitely return - the whole family loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Macdonald Marine Hotel Spa; City: North Berwick East Lothian Scotland; Review: Stayed her for one night DBB for a treat for my 50th birthday. On arrival we checked in quickly and were allocated a room on the first floor. On opening the door all I could say was "Wow". The view from the large bay window was breathtaking overlooking the golf course and the sea. The room was large as was the bathroom. We immediately went for a walk along the beach which can be accessed by going out of the back of the hotel and walking through the golf course. We had dinner in the restaurant - limited choice but the food was very good and I thought that the £50 per couple allowance plus £10 online booking discount was good value for money. We then retired to the bar for a bottle of wine which was expensive but you are in a four star hotel. Have read some reviews about the room being cold and having uncomfortable beds. Our bed was very comfortable and the room had a heater which worked well. This is possibly the quietest room I have ever slept in. Went down for breakfast the next morning and have to agree with other reviewers that it was chaotic. There was a wedding the day before and it seemed that most of the party had stayed over. We were shown to our table and we asked for tea and toast which never arrived. We then asked for it again when the waiter came to take our order. The staff seemed harassed and there wasn't enough of them. I actually felt sorry for them. Many of them had also been on duty the night before. Breakfast was nothing to write home about - husbands Vegetarian sausage was burnt and I had the smallest sausage I have ever seen with 1 rasher of bacon. A four star hotel could do better. Overall we loved our stay and left feeling very chilled and relaxed. Sorry that other people did not have the same experience as we did. North Berwick beaches are stunning and if the weather is nice they are a must for a walk - you can go either left or right for stunning scenery. I would return to this hotel in an instant.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Macdonald Rusacks Hotel; City: St Andrews Fife Scotland; Review: Stayed here for an overnight in March 2016. We didn't have a view of the course but the room was nice with a comfortable bed and for those who have complained about the lack of a tea/coffee tray, this can be found in the wardrobe! The bar was a lovely relaxing place to sit and watch the golfers on the famous Old Course which is stunning as is the beach which is a 5 minute walk from the hotel. This is one of the nicest beaches I have ever seen. Breakfast in the hotel was to a high standard and consisted of a buffet continental followed by a full Scottish with tea or coffee and toast. Breakfast was included in our room rate but my partner did opt for the Eggs Benedict which incurred a small supplement of £3,50. He said it was well worth it. All staff were friendly and efficient and breakfast was served in a lovely room overlooking the course. St Andrew's is a lovely town and we dined at the Tail End Fish Bar which I can recommend for service and very tasty fish and chips. My only regret is that we couldn't stay longer and we will definitely return in the future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Resurrection Day; Author: Visit Amazon's Brendan DuBois Page; Review: I really can't say enough good things about this book. It takes as it's foundation an immensely believable historical event (the Cuban Missile Crisis goes bad) and runs with it. Two things that really jump out about this book are it's accuracy and how well the story keeps moving. In regards to the first point, most people don't realize how badly outgunned the Soviets were in 1962, but Dubois' firm grasp of history assures that the shakedown in the balance of power reflects accurately the military-political realities of the time. As for the second point, many alternate histories spend a great deal of time talking about whatever event makes it an alternate history. Not so in "Ressurection Day"; any alternate information the reader needs to know is smoothly unveiled in the context of the plot, which keeps the book moving along at a great clip. Finally, this book, while immensely entertaining, is also historically rigorous enough to prove the merit of counterfactuals as a valid means of examining history. I can only hope that Dubois will continue to write alternate history with the same mastery he displayed in this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: House of Leaves: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Z. Danielewski Page; Review: "House of Leaves" is beyond a shadow of a doubt the best novel I have read in the last five years. It intertwines so many elements, so masterfully, it's hard to know where to begin describing it. I guess the first comment I make should be: if you like your literature squarely in the mainstream, this is not a book for you. However, if you're open-minded this novel will not disappoint you. At it's heart, "House of Leaves" is the journal of a man who is piecing together a manuscript about a movie about a house that is getting bigger on the inside without any external change. Sound confusing? It is; but that's what draws you in. There are so many plot threads (many of them told through footnotes), and so many narrative voices that the reader is constantly being buffeted by "perception" vs. "reality". Within the context of the book you're never really sure what is going on, and you're therefore forced to think about what the novel as a whole, and its component parts, means. Furthermore, since the novel is supposed to represent an assemblage of manuscripts, there are frequently gaps in the available information, or it is only partially complete. As a result, I don't think any two people will ever have the same reading of this book, as your imagination is left free to fill in critical gaps, or leave them empty. In terms of categorization, "House of Leaves" defies it. I imagine most people would categorize it simply as Literature. However, it is undeniably one of the scariest books I have ever read. I wouldn't paint it with the "Horror" brush, but the explorations of the house's new rooms are among the most intense passages I have ever read. On the flip side, there are lines in this novel that had me laughing out loud. Finally, everything about "House of Leaves" makes you think. It is definitely a novel that will stay with you for a long time. In the end, what you take out of this book has a lot to do with what you bring to it. If you approach it with an open mind, and really take the time to think about what you're reading, I guarantee it will leave an indelible impression. If you aren't committed to trying something new, however, I'd recommend passing on this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Killing Time; Author: Visit Amazon's Caleb Carr Page; Review: This was a book that I really wanted to like, which made it all the more upsetting when I didn't. Caleb Carr is an extremely talented writer, and he makes great use of every word. His prose is compact, but not overly brief. That said, great writing can't salvage a poorly plotted story. "Killing Time", although set in a believable future, requires the reader to make constant leaps of faith about technology and the ability of private citizens to obtain it. Also, Carr finds no redeeming value in any of the wonderful inventions he creates, which, aside from being depressing, is completely unrealistic. This view of technology, which has no broad basis in historical fact, tends to drag the book down. Furthermore, the plot is rushed in many places, while dragging in others. One is never drawn into the flow of this book, which is a shame considering the strong writing and premise this book has as it's foundation.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: For Want of a Nail: If Burgoyne Had Won at Saratoga; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Sobel Page; Review: This book is truly one of the most unique I have ever read, although I'm not sure that describing it as fiction properly serves the book or the reader. Of course, it is fiction, but if you're looking for characters and plot in the traditional sense, you won't find any. A more accurate description of this book would be as a text book of a hsitory that never was. Sobel starts with the premise that Burgoyne won at Saratoga, thereby leaving our young republic still-born. He then proceeds to recount 200 years of "history" of the Commonwealth of North America and its rival, the United States of Mexico. The depth into which he delves is nothing short of astonishing, and the rigor he imposes on the work is equally amazing. As one might guess, I enjoyed this book immensely, but it's not a book I would recommend broadly. If you are not a reader of serious history, it is pretty much assured that you will not enjoy this book. It strives for accuracy and reality in a way that is refreshing, but which could easily overwhelm the unprepared, or unmotivated reader.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My War Gone By, I Miss It So; Author: Visit Amazon's Anthony Loyd Page; Review: This is one of the most intense, evocative and powerful books I have ever read. From the beginning the reader plunges into Loyd's personal hell of unrealized ambition, a dysfunctional family, and an addiction to, alternately, danger and drugs. Alternating between England and the shattered regions of the former Yugoslovia and Chechnya, we come face to face with a young man whose psyche mirrors the shattered landscapes he explores. What makes this book truly important, however, is that Loyd brings no sense of self-pity, no guilt to his narrative. This is not to say he is amoral, but he doesn't use the horrors he has experienced as an excuse. A reason, yes, but never an excuse. This work operates on so many levels I could never do it justice in the brief space allocated here. Suffice it to say this is a haunting, moving, powerful book. It is not an easy book to read, but it is well worth the effort.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dispatches (Everyman's Library Contemporary Classics Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Herr Page; Review: I was born in 1974, and my impressions of the Vietnam War have generally been shaped by the politcal, emotional baggage left in its wake. People talk about what Vietnam meant, what it was about, why it was right, why it was wrong, but rarely about what it was. This book does just that. With prose that comes at you like it's being fired out of a machine gun, Herr describes the action on the ground as it was: terrifying, brutal, and appalling. But he also writes about the tenderness, brotherhood and compassion that war bred between men who would have otherwise never met. This is a powerful, important book that anyone who wants to understand Vietnam as an experience should read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: On the Beach; Author: Visit Amazon's Nevil Shute Page; Review: "On the Beach", in my mind, ranks with "Lord of the Flies" and 1984" as one of the truly great novels of the 20th century. Yes, it is a little dated; but world politics aside, this book has a power that is just astounding. I have never felt such empathy for characters in a book, as I do for the poor souls in Shute's Australia. The emotions in this book take my breath away. I could never do it justice here; suffice it to say, "On the Beach" may be the most incredible, powerful, moving book I have ever read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Relic; Author: Douglas J. Preston; Review: I rarely reread books, but after reading Relic for the third time, I knew I had to write a review. As indicated in the title of this review, the book takes a truly original idea to drive its plot, and set that idea in a rather unusual location. I don't want to give away the plot, but the location is the American Museum of Natural history and its dozens of sub-basements and unused rooms. Relic is creepy without being cliched; in the tradition of Michael Crichton's better work, this is a popular novel that is also intelligent. I highly recommend it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mount Dragon: A Novel; Author: Douglas J. Preston; Review: I will freely admit that my review of this novel is colored in large part by my opinion of Relic. This novel is by no means bad, but after having read "Relic", and therefore knowing what Preston and Child are capable of, I feel it could have been better. The characters are drawn in rather broad strokes, and I never felt particularly drawn to any of them. Furthermore, the story, while intriguing, is not exactly edge of your seat stuff. That said, the writing is excellent. In particular, Preston and Child exhibit excellent descriptive writing ability, and a knack for setting the mood. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I wouldn't make it the first Preston/Child novel you read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Stone Canal; Author: Visit Amazon's Ken MacLeod Page; Review: Unfortunately, "The Stone Canal" was released after the "Cassini Division" in the States. I say unfortunately because this sets a stage that will make the beginning of "The Cassini Division" much easier to understand. So make sure to read "The Stone Canal" first. That said, by no means skip this book if you haven't read it already. It is in many ways more entertaining than "The Cassini Division", although I found it packed less of a punch intellectualy. Even so, this is a smart book, written by a very smart author. It looks at society in a way that no other SF I am aware of does. As I said about its companion "The Stone Canal" is more of a political/moral tale hidden in SF clothing. It is a truly original, outstanding work that stands both on its own merits, and as a prequel to "The Cassini Division".; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sky Road (Fall Revolution); Author: Visit Amazon's Ken MacLeod Page; Review: Having enjoyed "The Cassini Division" and "The Stone Canal", I was looking forward to this book with great expectations. Unfortunately, it came up somewhat short. That's not to say it's a bad book; but it isn't as intellectually stimulating, or as entertaining as its predecessors. As usual, the writing is elegant, and generally superb. The story is well plotted, and moves along at a reasonable pace. However, when all was said and done, I didn't really feel like I had gone anywhere by reading this book. The story was entertaining, but there was no real climax, and hence no real resolution. Perhaps that is what Macleod was striving for; a vehicle to develop characters for future works. If that is the case, he succeeded admirably. I suspect that this is a novel that will always be regarded in the context of his other works, rather than on its own merits. Still, I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone who likes their science fiction on the serious side.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghostwritten; Author: Visit Amazon's David Mitchell Page; Review: This remarkable novel speaks volumes about our increasingly interconnected planet. It does so, however, without the xeno/techno-phobia that often comes hand in with realizations about our shrinking planet. Rather, it delivers a wonderful story that is by turns scary, beautiful, funny, sad...I could go on. As for the story itself, consider how you would describe how your parents met, without even mentioning them until the final words of your narrative. That is what "Ghostwritten" strives for, and achieves, a web of utterly random, and yet, interconnected events that contribute to an unseen conclusion. A wonderful first novel!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thunderhead; Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas Preston Page; Review: "Thunderhead" is perhaps my favorite Preston/Child novel to date, as it is definitely head and shoulders above the competition in the "techno-thriller" genre. Where Preston and Child have separated themselves from the pack is in their writing and characterizations. Any writer can string together high tech jargon and cool gadgets and produce a story. However, it takes writers of rare talent to combine that science with tight plotting, characters with real depth and beautifully written settings. In "Thunderhead" the reader follows an expedition in pursuit of Quivera, the lost city of gold. Of course, nothing is ever easy, and there are mysterious forces at work trying to block the expedition. While that may sound somewhat hokey, I can assure you that the authors have done their research well. They bring a tremendous amount of historical fact, as well as cutting edge speculation into their story. In fact, I was so intrigued by the history they injected into the story, I went out and bought several books on the ancient cultures of the American Southwest. In the end, "Thunderhead" is a great read; it has enough of a foundation in reality that you don't find yourself grimacing at the clichés of a typical thriller. At the same time, the writing is superb, and the reader is inevitably sucked in as the authors ratchet up the tension to the point where one literally can't put the book down. Once again, these authors have proven that a book doesn't have to be mindless to be entertaining. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Riptide; Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas Preston Page; Review: Once again, Preston and Child have not only proven that they write a great story, but that they write truly original ones. Riptide succeeds on many levels, but the character development is particularly strong. Preston and Child lead you throught a maze of pertsonalities, cross-purpose and deceit without ever missing a beat. There is no true "bad guy" in this novel, bu there are many people who fall victim to some of the less savory aspects of human nature. That's really what makes "Riptide" so enjoyable, it has an end, but it's not as neat and tidy as many might hope. As in many of Preston/Child's books, the nemisis isn't a who, but a what. In this case it's the most diabolical treasure trove since Oak Island, which contains an artifact with a sinister, irresistable allure. I enjoyed this book immensely, it's only downside is that you can't read it on a week night because you'll never sleep.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ice Limit; Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas Preston Page; Review: Lots of authors write great popular fiction, but what really sets Preston and Child apart is the meticulous research they bring to their books. Ice Limit does not disappoint in this regard. The authors introduce a host of technical information without bogging down the plot. The detail is serious, but not overwhelming. In particular, their description of an elite engineering firm and its projects and methods is outstanding. In fact, I would go so far to say that this is their best researched, most tightly plotted book. Ice limit gets of to a great start and doesn't let up until the end. That said, the end seems a little hurried, almost tacked on. It's not bad, but it's so different from the rest of the novel it seems out of place. Ultimately, though, that's a small complaint about an otherwise great novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Arc Light; Author: Visit Amazon's Eric L. Harry Page; Review: This is one of the most intense, entertaining books I have ever read. From the very start you are drawn into a maelstrom of violence and intrigue. "Arc Light" isn't non-stop combat though, it is also a very smart thriller. Harry does a superb job of painting the political side of war, and the effect it has a real people. By way of comparison, this book ranks beside "Red Storm Rising" as one of the great techno-thrillers of all time. Unfortunately, it is no longer in print, but if you can get your hands on a copy, don't hesitate, BUY IT!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A War To Be Won: Fighting the Second World War; Author: Visit Amazon's Williamson Murray Page; Review: The problem with many books about WWII is that they tackle far more than could ever be effectively covered in one volume. WWII was more than just battles, it turned the global politcal/economic system on it's ear; it sparked drives for independence in dozens of countries while ripping empires apart; and it redefined the culture of practically every nation involved. As I have stated, when an author tries to tackle all these topics, they inevitably give many short shrift. The beauty of this work is that Murray and Millet focus solely on the military aspect of the war. In so doing they shed much needed light on some of the pivotal moments of the war, and the people involved. They have an obvious mastery of modern tactics, but the reader is never buried in an onslaught of military jargon. Furthermore, popular mythology surrounding the various personalities making the critical decisions of the war never colors their commentary. They go out of their way to judge each person on their merits, and their contribution to the war effort. They also do an excellent job of outlining the logistical battle waged by the allies. As a result of WWII, logistics is frequently referred to as an American military artform, and the authors do a superb job of explaining why that is the case. If you are looking for a broad history of WWII this isn't your book. But if you are a serious student of military history who wants to understand the strategy, tactics and personalities that determined the outcome of WWII, "A War to Be Won" is truly outstanding.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Winter War: The Soviet Attack on Finland, 1939-1940; Author: Eloise Engle; Review: This small book is an easy, engaging read about an often overlooked chapter of WWII. It offers a broad outline of the conlict, and does an adequate job of outlining its causes and the major players involved. Where it really shines, however, is in its use of first hand anecdotes to move the narrative along. Some of the most powerful commentary on war and combat I have ever encountered can be found in these pages. I would reccommend following up this book with Trotter's "A Frozen Hell", as it offers a signigicantly more thorough investigation of the causes and politcal aspects of the war. Still, "The Winter War" is is an enjoyable, informative work.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Frozen Hell: The Russo-Finnish Winter War of 1939-1940; Author: Visit Amazon's William R. Trotter Page; Review: Unfortunately, the Russo-Finnish war is usually given short shrift in most histories of WWII. This, in spite of the fact that it resulted in hundreds of thousands of casulties, in spite of the fact the Finns performed some of the most brilliant feats of arms in modern history, and, in spite of the fact that the Western Allies sacrficed the Finns on the alter of political "necessity". The courageous, remarkable defense of their homeland by the Finns in the face of insurmountable odds is no less inspiring or intriguing for its ultimate futility. With an even hand, Trotter guides the reader through the ferocious Finnish winter, and takes us into the minds of both Russian and Finnish soldiers as they fight in some of the most appalling battlefield conditions ever. In conclusion, my sysmpathy for the Finns is obvious, as is Trotter's, but don't doubt that this is a serious work of history. Trotter deals judiciously with all parties to the conflict based on fact; popular mythology plays no role in this work.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Breaking the Phalanx: A New Design for Landpower in the 21st Century (Bibliographies and Indexes in American); Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas A. Macgregor Page; Review: This is an excellent work and ranks among the best military theory I have read. Macgregor systematically presents the history of American combineds arms, tears apart the current structure, and rebuilds it into lethal, 21st century fighting force. Unlike many professional military men who take up the pen, Macgregor is an excellent writer, who justifies ever proposal he makes, but avoids bogging down the work in mountains of detail. I do not agree wholesale with all of Macgregor's points, particularly in regards to naval expeditionary forces, but the overall rigor of the book more than compensates for that fact. Macgregor has clearly grasped the premise that elite institutions (such as the American military) can only improve through the most rigorous process of self criticism and innovation. "Breaking the Phalanx" is an innovative, outstanding work, and if there is any justice the Army will give him a medal for his brilliant contribution to American arms.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fifty-Year War: Conflict and Strategy in the Cold War; Author: Visit Amazon's Norman Friedman Page; Review: This is an impressive foray into a field of study that probably won't come into its own for another ten years. Through superb use of primary sources, Friedman provides an excellent narrative of fifty years of remarkably complex history. Yes, there are gaps, but that is to be expected only ten years on. Overall, the work is very thorough. In particular, Friedman does a superb job of removing some of the mythology associated with the Cold War. For example, we come to recognize that Eisenhower, behind his benign facade, was an iron-willed president who kept tight reins on the military and foreign policy. In addition, the most cherished of baby-boomer myths, JFK's presidency, is revealed for the farce it really was. And finally, we see the real Gorbachev: a pragmatic technocrat whose hands were tied. All in all this is an excellent work of history. I would have given it five stars, but the editing is truly appalling, I've never seen so many typos in a major hardcover release.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Sleeper: A Novel (A Western Lights Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Jeffrey E. Barlough Page; Review: This is one of the more unique novels that I have encountered in the last year. It has element of alternate history and science/fiction fantasy, but is equally a mystery in the tradition of Arthur Conan Doyle. Moreover, the writing is undeniably similar to Dickens, and his contemporaries. If I had to pick, I would have to classify this book as a mystery, because the other elements are mostly window dressing for a story that could occur in a multitude of settings. That's not to say the other elements aren't impressive; they most certainly are. The novel takes place in what is apparently a remote corner of Europe after some sort of extraterrestrial impact devastated most of the planet. Furthermore, either Ice Age mammals never died out, or they are enjoying a renaissance as a result of the cataclysm. This unusual, creative scenario help create a real sense of desperation and isolation among the characters. Although there lives are relatively comfortable, they have been marginalized and pushed to the brink, so anything out of the ordinary is an even greater cause for concern. As for the story itself, it's hard to comment without giving away details. Suffice it to say that it touches upon the supernatural, but not in the ways one might expect. Regarding some of the complaints I've seen about the book being anticlimactic, I think it is necessary to consider Barlough's style when leveling criticism. He seems to be a writer for whom the journey is as important as the conclusion. I happen to like this style of storytelling, but if you need non-stop action, this may not be the book for you. All in all, I found "Dark Sleeper" to be an original, witty novel with a remarkably unique narrative style. Enjoy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hobbit; Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: As I wrote about its big brother, "The Lord of the Rings", I will also about "The Hobbit": that everthing good about it has been said, suffice it to say, it is is amazing. This review refers specifically to the edition illustrated by Alan Lee. While it is more expensive than many other editions, no other captures the whimsy and adventure of the novel so eloquently. Like many of us, Alan Lee has clearly fallen in love with Middle Earth. Unlike many of us, he can capture our imagination and set it to canvas. This is an outstanding edition, worthy of one of the great tales of all time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Guadalcanal: The Definitive Account of the Landmark Battle; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard B. Frank Page; Review: Reading "Guadalcanal" is the closest I have ever been, or ever care to be, to combat. I could almost feel the oppressive heat, almost hear the bullets whip-cracking over head. This is a book that is brutal in its truth, but that read like a novel. Never have I encountered narration of bravery and sacrifice, brilliance and blunder told so eloquently. The fact that I encountered it in a work of serious military history that captures the incredible strategic importance of a battle often overlooked makes it all the more remarkable. And important.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Downfall: The End of the Imperial Japanese Empire; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard B. Frank Page; Review: This work really sets the standard for any writing done about WWII in the 21st century. Frank makes superb use of a host of documents declassified over the last decades, to build an intelligent, water tight argument on the necessity of using the atomic bomb on Japan to bring an end to WWII in the Pacific. Frank intersperses gripping documentary of the finals days in the Pacific with appalling battlefield statistics and definitive diplomatic documents to present a comprehensive explanation, and justification, for the use of the bombs. He outlines at great length the plans for the invasion of Japan, and shows why, while they probably would have ultimately succeeded, the cost would have been outrageously high. Finally, he offers wonderful insight into the Japanese (and American and Russian) motivations, and the logic behind their actions and potential actions. This is a work of tremendous importance that should squash once and for all one of the great claims of revisionist history.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mars Crossing; Author: Geoffrey A. Landis; Review: I really have nothing good to say about this book, so I'll keep this short. The characters are horrible, cardboard cliches. The plot is dull, and completely devoid of any exciting moments. And worst of all, the descriptions of Mars itself are utterly uninspiring. A brand new, never before explored terrain, and the author can barely string three sentences together about it. Avoid this novel at all costs.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Diagnosis: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Alan Lightman Page; Review: I imagine many people will take this wonderful novel as an indictment of the age we live in; driven by technology, some might say devoid of spirit and soul. And I suppose it would be wrong to say it's not. More accurately though, it is an indictment of people who use technology as a crutch to navigate the travails of everyday life, at the expense of interpersonal relationships. It is an indictment of people who believed that have only one course of action, when the fact is, they are too blind to see the other paths they might take. This is an amazing, moving novel, that offers great insight into our collective (flawed) state of mind at the dawn of the 21st century.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Coming (Ace Science Fiction); Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Haldeman Page; Review: First off, the writing in this novel is superb. Haldeman changes the point of view among a dozen characters without ever skipping a beat. Furthermore, he does so without shorting the development of any one character; they are all well drawn, in part because we see them through the eyes of so many other people. That said, this novel gets off to a great start, and really does well until the last twenty pages or so. At that point, much like Haldeman's "Forever Free", it begins to feel rushed. The book ends on a note that is more confusing than anything else. You really lose the feel for the character's motivations, and there is a lot of activity that is barely explained. All in all, this is an enjoyable, well written novel, that is somewhat let down by its ending.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: How Hitler Could Have Won World War II: The Fatal Errors That Led to Nazi Defeat; Author: Visit Amazon's Bevin Alexander Page; Review: This is a well written, easy to read, overview of the critical military decisions in Europe and North Africa during World War II. What it is not, as some might surmise from the title, is a "what if" text that reviews the alternative outcomes of the decisions not made. The author does an excellent job of reviewing the various opinions offered Hitler by his various military advisors, and he does an excellent job of outlining their merits. Furthermore, at every turn he makes a compelling case for what he considers to have been the proper course of action. Unfortunately, Alexander frequently bogs down in narrative of the various battles, and loses his focus on the critical decisions not made. Furthermore, with a few notable exceptions, he generally does not project these alternate decisions into a long term view of the war. This is an enjoyable little book, that offers an excellent overview of some of the critical German military decisions of WWII. However, anyone looking for a more serious work would do well to consider Murray & Millett's outstanding "A War to Be Won".; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Art of Maneuver: Maneuver Warfare Theory and Airland Battle; Author: Robert Leonhard; Review: As a non-military person I approached this work with some trepidation, but within pages my fears were erased. This is a superbly written, well thought out book. Leonhard offers, step by step, the history of "maneuver" warfare, and explains how it has been ill applied in American arms. He goes on to provide a doctrine for it's application, and finally critiques the Army's performance in Panama and the Persian Gulf. Leonhard's tactical sense is above reproach, and his explanations are offered in cogent, brief passages. This work is unique in my experience with military theory in that it is both easy to read, and important. Any serious student of military theory/history would do well to read this book to better understand both the past, and the future. Oh, and if you pay careful attention, it just might improve your chess game as well...it did mine!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hobbit; Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: As I wrote about its big brother, "The Lord of the Rings", I will also about "The Hobbit": that everthing good about it has been said, suffice it to say, it is is amazing. This review refers specifically to the edition illustrated by Alan Lee. While it is more expensive than many other editions, no other captures the whimsy and adventure of the novel so eloquently. Like many of us, Alan Lee has clearly fallen in love with Middle Earth. Unlike many of us, he can capture our imagination and set it to canvas. This is an outstanding edition, worthy of one of the great tales of all time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy - (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Return of the Ring, The Two; Author: Visit Amazon's J.R.R Tolkien Page; Review: As I wrote about its big brother, "The Lord of the Rings", I will also about "The Hobbit": that everthing good about it has been said, suffice it to say, it is is amazing. This review refers specifically to the edition illustrated by Alan Lee. While it is more expensive than many other editions, no other captures the whimsy and adventure of the novel so eloquently. Like many of us, Alan Lee has clearly fallen in love with Middle Earth. Unlike many of us, he can capture our imagination and set it to canvas. This is an outstanding edition, worthy of one of the great tales of all time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Trilogy - Boxed Set of 4 Books; Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: As I wrote about its big brother, "The Lord of the Rings", I will also about "The Hobbit": that everthing good about it has been said, suffice it to say, it is is amazing. This review refers specifically to the edition illustrated by Alan Lee. While it is more expensive than many other editions, no other captures the whimsy and adventure of the novel so eloquently. Like many of us, Alan Lee has clearly fallen in love with Middle Earth. Unlike many of us, he can capture our imagination and set it to canvas. This is an outstanding edition, worthy of one of the great tales of all time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings Part 1); Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: As I wrote about its big brother, "The Lord of the Rings", I will also about "The Hobbit": that everthing good about it has been said, suffice it to say, it is is amazing. This review refers specifically to the edition illustrated by Alan Lee. While it is more expensive than many other editions, no other captures the whimsy and adventure of the novel so eloquently. Like many of us, Alan Lee has clearly fallen in love with Middle Earth. Unlike many of us, he can capture our imagination and set it to canvas. This is an outstanding edition, worthy of one of the great tales of all time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Principles of War for the Information Age; Author: Robert Leonhard; Review: What really impresed me about this book was Leonhard's application of physics terms to modern warfare. Using quantities like "velocity", "momentum" and "mass", he distills modern warfare to its most basic components, and by so doing, offers the foundation for the proper application of maneuver doctrine in 21st century arms. While perhaps not as engaging as "The Art of Maneuver", "The Principles of War for the Information Age" is another significant contribution to military theory by an outstanding author.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hannibal; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas Harris Page; Review: Perhaps what I enjoy most about Harris' books is his elegant use of language. His choice of words paints a lush, beautifully realized landscape. And it is this use of language that makes Hannibal Lecter such an appalling monster. He doesn't fit any of our presuppositions of what an evil person should be: he's educated, polite, cultured and refined. The reader is constanlty challenged because in the face of overwhelming evil, a small corner of the mind is always hoping he will escape justice. Ultimately, "Hannibal" is a look at the dark side of human nature. While no sane person would ever commit the acts Hannibal does, his motives aren't mysterious. It's not impossible to imagine a person you know succumbing to the predator buried in their genetic make-up. This is not an easy book to read. Aside from the gore, parts of it are profoundly disturbing. But it is a smart, haunting thriller, and anyone who approaches it with an open mind will surely enjoy it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Virtual History: Alternatives And Counterfactuals; Author: Visit Amazon's Niall Ferguson Page; Review: Overall, I found "Virtual History" to be an excellent exploration of the value of counterfactuals in historical writing. There is no debating the quality of the writing in this book. From the rousing introduction, to the various essays, and the clever conclusion, the authors do a superb job of engaging the reader in their various areas of expertise. That said, the work overall is somewhat uneven. I believe this stems from the fact that the various historians don't all share the same comfort level with projecting the consequences of their counterfactuals. Some barely scratch the surface of what might have been, while others go into extensive detail (in particular, "What if Hitler had Invaded England", my favorite). However, this complaint speaks more to the flow of the work overall, and not to the quality of each essay. In conclusion, "Virtual History" is an outstanding work, that shows top notch research and excellent writing. My one caveat to the potential reader would be that this is not a particularly light, easy reading book. If you are looking for a somewhat less rigorous, less scholarly look at counterfactual history I would recommend "What If?" (Cowley ed.).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Our Dumb Century: The Onion Presents 100 Years of Headlines from America's Finest News Source; Author: Onion Editors; Review: "Our Dumb Century" is hands down, without a doubt, the funniest book I have ever read. Nobody and nothing is safe from these ribald, brilliantly satirical "articles". This ism't a book of cheap shots though...well it is, but they are really intelligent cheap shots and the thoroughness with which the 20th century is reviewed is worthy of a history book. Words can't do this book justice, suffice it to say, if you want something that will make you laugh so hard tears are running down your face, this is it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Silmarillion; Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: While not as immediately engaging as "The Hobbit" or "The Lord of the Rings", "The Silmarillion" is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the true depth of of Tolkien's work. This is not so much a novel, as it is the collected mythology of a place and time that never existed. This work reveals in even greater depth than his other works, Tolkien's inspirations. Furthermore, his background in linguistics is revealed as the evolution of Middle Earth's denizens gives rise to a host of languages of amazing depth and consistency. This is not the easiest book to read. But a close reading will offer hundreds of delightful tidbits and will provide an incredibly thorough historical foundation for the events in "The Lord of the Rings".; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Books" />; Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: While not as immediately engaging as "The Hobbit" or "The Lord of the Rings", "The Silmarillion" is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the true depth of of Tolkien's work. This is not so much a novel, as it is the collected mythology of a place and time that never existed. This work reveals in even greater depth than his other works, Tolkien's inspirations. Furthermore, his background in linguistics is revealed as the evolution of Middle Earth's denizens gives rise to a host of languages of amazing depth and consistency. This is not the easiest book to read. But a close reading will offer hundreds of delightful tidbits and will provide an incredibly thorough historical foundation for the events in "The Lord of the Rings".; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All the Names; Author: Visit Amazon's Jose Saramago Page; Review: Saramago's haunting novel will stay with you long after you have completed it. Through his protaganist, Senhor Jose, the reader is forced to confront both the nature of a human being's intrinsic worth, and what drives our decision making process. In regards to the first aspect, the reader comes to realize that the complexity of a person's life is in no way related to its public visibility. Regarding the second consideration, the reader is left to wonder whether we do in fact have free will, or if we are driven by some higher power. Or, is it a combination of the two? These elements drive the novel to its moving, thought provoking conclusion. This is a small novel that plays host to several big ideas, and it is well worth reading.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mara And Dann - An Adventure; Author: Visit Amazon's Doris Lessing Page; Review: The only reason I picked this book up is becuase my sister's name is Mara. It's the best job I've ever done of judging a book by its cover. In "Mara and Dann", Lessing has produced a simple, and yet utterly profound and inspiring novel. Set in Africa in the distant future, we follow the travels, and life story of Mara, and her brother Dann. The novel is a tale of great adventure and romance, but it is also a moving portrait of the bond shared by siblings. Like no other novel I have ever read, "Mara and Dann" captures the exasperation, heartache, joy and ultimately friendship that come from having a brother or sister. "Mara and Dann" is both a creative, engaging adventure, and work of amzing depth and heart. It will not disappoint.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Man in the High Castle (Essential Penguin); Author: Visit Amazon's Philip K. Dick Page; Review: "The Man in the High Castle" ranks among the greatest novels I have ever read. Set in a post-WWII US shattered by war and occupied by Germany and Japan, it combines a well thought out, brilliantly plotted alternate history with a deft literary touch rarely seen in the genre. It's enigmatic ending suggests a "many worlds universe" that leads the reader to question the nature of reality. More fundamentally, though, the reader is left to question, What is an American? Would I suit my lifestyle to a totalatarian regime with relative ease? Am I as moral as I think? Dick offers no real answers, which is fine, because the questions are more evocative than the answers ever could be. A brilliant, wonderful read that you will not regret picking up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (Oxford Bookworms Library); Author: Andy Hopkins; Review: In addition to having the most original book title in history, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" is an amazing novel. At its most fundamental level, it questions what it means to be human. Is the soul fundamental to life, or is it the product of compassion and experience? Furthermore, is religion a product of human experience, or is it a guide for human experience? Dick doesn't claim to know the answers to these questions, but, as is the case in many of his novels, it is the asking that is important. The fact that such deep thinking occurs in a brilliantly imagined post-apocalyptic city populated by deep, wonderful characters makes this novel all the more remarkable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Ship: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's William Brinkley Page; Review: "The Last Ship" acts as something of a hybrid between Tom Clancy and the techno-thriller genre on the one hand, and Nevil Shute and the "end of the world" writers of the early Cold War. Both groups have their merits, and Brinkley has done a superb job of taking the best elements from each. The result is a novel that is both a breathtaking naval adventure and a thoughtful exploration of human nature. On the "techno-thriller" side, Brinkley has an excellent grasp of the operations of a US Navy vessel, but he doesn't beat the reader over the head with his knowledge. Rather, he weaves the procedures and activities into a suspenseful account of the opening shots of a nuclear war. He deftly balances the need for detail and realism, with the overarching need to drive the story forward and succeeds admirably. An interesting side note to this realism is the ignorance in which the survivors live; unlike many end of the world novels, Brinkley recognizes that we live in an age where situations might escalate beyond the ability to distribute information about them. This ignorance adds another level to the novel, as the survivors are left asking the ultimate question in the shattered world they inherit: "Why?" On the literary side, Brinkley does a superb job of exploring the human drive for survival. In the face of an almost completely futile effort (to survive after a global nuclear war), the reader sees mankind at its most human and at its most animalistic. In both instances, this can be good or bad. On the good side, we see a small band of survivors using the breadth of human ingenuity and knowledge to achieve the most basic goal of passing on their genes. On the flip side, we see humans giving full vent to their cunning and viciousness as they place their survival above all else. Furthermore, Brinkley is an excellent writer. His characterizations and descriptive writing are superb and he does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of earlier writings about the sea. In particular, I found myself thinking of Joseph Conrad after reading many of his passages. "The Last Ship" is an exciting adventure, but it is also a thoughtful consideration of both the futility of the nuclear arms race, and, more importantly, of the remarkable range of response that humans can display when faced with great adversity. This novel will not only entertain you, but it will also leave you thinking long after you are done reading it. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Darwin's Radio; Author: Visit Amazon's Greg Bear Page; Review: "Darwin's Radio" grips you from the start and holds on until an unfortunately anticlimatic conclusion. The characters are well drawn and diverse, and the plot moves along at a brisk pace. The evolutionary science that serves as the premise of the novel is speculative, but not beyond the realm of belief. Furthermore, it serves to make the book one of the more original I have encountered. However, as I mentioned, the ending is something of a let down. It is overly rushed, and doesn't really offer anything in the way of resolution. That said, this is still and enjoyable piece of hard SF. With a better ending I would have given it five stars, but it is still well worth reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Breakout: The Chosin Reservoir Campaign, Korea 1950; Author: Visit Amazon's Martin Russ Page; Review: The Chosin Resvoir campaign ranks among the great feats of American arms, and looms large in any history of the Korean War. "Breakout", however, recounts the saga largely in the words of the men who were there. Like few other works of history I have an encountered, the author mixes solid historical narrative with a host of first hand anecdotes. Russ creates a vivid, moving portrait of the Marines who so selflessly fought over the frozen ground of the Korean Peninsula. The reader follows the course of the campaign at a macro level, and then hunkers in the freezing slit trenches of the grunts on the ground. The only thing that prevented the "Breakout" from getting five stars was the glaring lack of maps, particularly ones outling troop dispositions. Furthermore, the narrative was somewhat choppy due to the frequent interjection of personal accounts; but that's the price you pay for first hand history. Overall, "Breakout" was both a superb historical text, and a moving, group biography of the Marines in Korea.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Bowden Page; Review: This book captures the horror and bravery of combat with a thorougness, and eloquence, that is worthy of the highest praise. I have never been in combat, I've never even been in the military, but after reading "Black Hawk Down" I feel I have gained some small appreciation of the astonishing bravery our troops call upon every day. This is not an easy book to read. Almost from the start, the reader encounters American soldiers fighting for their lives in an immensely hostile city. Through a host of first hand accounts and thorough research, Bowden throws the reader into this maelstrom of lead and blood. Furthermore, Bowden did not give short shrift to tactics and military reality in the pursuit of personal drama. In a step by step manner he walks the reader through the battle from start to finish. He pays great attention to the tactical decisions, both good and bad, that impacted the battle. At the same time, he considers the strategic environment these decisions were being made in, and evaluates the decision making from President Clinton on down. "Black Hawk Down" is a superb tale of courage under fire, but more than that, it is an outstanding tactical history of a military engagement that will undoubtably loom large in any decision to commit US troops to foreign soil in the future. It is a must have for an student of military history and foreign policy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tides of War: A Novel of Alcibiades and the Peloponnesian War; Author: Visit Amazon's Steven Pressfield Page; Review: Readers who enjoyed Pressfield's amazing novel "The Gates of Fire", which chronicled the Battle of Thermopylae, will find themselves in for an abrupt change of gears. That's not to say "Tides of War" isn't good, it is. And that's not to say that Pressfield's signature brand of ancient combat isn't encountered, it is. Where the books differ is that "Gates of Fire" was the history of one specific event. The novel led to an inexorable conclusion. Regardless of the paths the characters took on their way there, the ending was never in doubt. "Tides of War", on the other hand, is the tale of one man, Alcibiades, and how he shaped ancient Greece, and how he was shaped by it. In the absence (or even in the presence) of extensive knowledge of ancient Greece, the reader is left to wander through a morass of scandal and ambition. And, since this is a novel, there is plenty of room for side-plots and embellishments. While "Gates of Fire" was a novel Tom Clancy would write about ancient Greece, "Tides of War" is a novel that John LeCarre would write about ancient Greece. It is full of intrigue and back-biting, played out across the backdrop of a world in violent upheaval. In much the same way the LeCarre explored how one man's ego could impact the Cold War, so tpo does Pressfield examine how one man's ambition can be both his, and his country's, fortune, and his, and its, doom. As one might guess, "Tides of War" is not as easy a read as "Gates of Fire". However, it is every bit as well written, and in many ways much more deep, and I highly recommend it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gates of Fire; Author: Visit Amazon's Steven Pressfield Page; Review: In "Gates of Fire" Steven Pressfield does for the Battle of Thermopylae what "Saving Private Ryan" did for the D-Day invasion. In a novel of breathtaking power he tells the tale of a battle that literally altered the course of civilization, and the stories of the men who fought it. The most striking thing about this book is how well researched it was. There is a level of complexity in every character and setting that could not have been achieved without the most rigorous study. In particular, he goes a long way towards dispelling the myth of the Spartan automaton. While their society is not one that we would necessarily want to live it, it is remarkably rich and multi-layered, and Pressfield does a superb job of presenting it. Furthermore, in addition to an eye for historical detail, Pressfield has captured something of the style of the ancient epics. While by no means on par with the Odyssey or the Iliad, Pressfield's choice of language and pacing echoes these masterworks of western literature Where this novel truly shines, though, is in the battle scenes. The reader can almost smell the blood and sweat, feel the choking dust and crash of bodies and hear the awful screams of the wounded. I have read a lot of military fiction, but I have never been as captivated by anything in the genre, as I was by this novel. The author is able to accomplish this because he writes characters possessed of great humanity and pathos. One can feel and fear for them because they are so fully realized. Pressfield's attention to characterization makes the scenes of carnage and inevitable defeat all the more poignant. Ultimately you can read "Gates of Fire" on two different levels. First, you can approach it as a straight adventure story, and you will come away satisfied. The battles are as fast-paced and as well described as any you will find in writing. The second level is to consider this novel as a work of literature and history. I learned a tremendous amount in the reading of this book, and I was already fairly well versed in Greek history. Also, as I mentioned before, Pressfield's writing and choice of language perfectly captures the period. In the end, either way you choose to approach this novel, whether you take it at face value, or dig a little, you will certainly not be disappointed. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Patton: A Genius for War; Author: Visit Amazon's Carlo D'Este Page; Review: Patton is one of the figures of World War II, of the 20th Century, who has transcended "historical figure" and has become a mythological figure. Whether heaped with praise, or villified, he is almost always treated as larger than life. In this remarkable biography, Carlo D'Este cuts through all that nonsense and gives us an astonishingly thorough picture of Patton the man. What is revealed, is that Patton was an enormously complex HUMAN BEING. While irrefutably a military genius, he was also a horribly conflicted person. Plagued by dyslexia at a time when it lacked scientific recognition, this shy, horribly self-concious man created a personality to mask his true feelings of self doubt. Perhaps inevitably, this persona eclipsed the man who created it, and left the world with the impression of Patton as a colorful, but unfortunately outrageous and uncouth man. D'Este undoubtably has the utmost respect for Patton, but he is also unflinching in his critiscm when warranted. His research is extremely thorough, and the narrative is remarkably even-handed for a figure who is frequently portraied as Greek hero. "Patton: A Genius for War" is a biography of the highest caliber, and a must read for an serious student of World War II.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What If? : Military Historians Imagine What Might Have Been; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Cowley Page; Review: "What If?" is a work of great potential that is only partially realized. Through 2700 years of history the authors, with varying amounts of detail, and with varying degrees of success, review the great military turning points in history, and their alternate outcomes. I say with varying degrees of success because the pieces are in no way consistent in approach, layout, or thoroughness. Of particular note, some of the more well-known historians, like Keegan and Ambrose, present pieces that are so brief, and so lacking in academic rigor, one wonders if they weren't written on the back of a cocktail napkin. That said, there are also some truly outstanding pieces in "What If?", in particular, a consideration of American Pacific strategy following a defeat at Midway is excellent. Overall, the essays provide good overviews of particular events, and serve to direct the reader for approaches for more rigorous reading and research. Ultimately, "What If?" is an enjoyable read, and a nice overview of military history. It cannot, however, be considered a work of serious scholarship.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: With the Old Breed: The World War Two Pacific Classic; Author: Visit Amazon's E. B. Sledge Page; Review: "With the Old Breed" works on two very different levels. One is an outstanding first-hand account of the campaigns for Peleliu and Okinawa from the perspective of the United States Marines. The second, which is what makes this book so special, is the tale of the of fear and abject horror that those young Marines had to deal with. "With the Old Breed" isn't just about two military campaigns in the Pacific, it's about the emotional "campaign" that each soldier had to fight just to keep going. With an unflinching pen, Sledge takes the reader on a descent into the maelstrom of lead and blood that was these campaigns. The reader feels the terror, the cold and heat, the filth, the sorrow...and is also offered a glimpse of the extraordinary courage those young men showed. "With the Old Breed" is a superb, moving account of men in combat. It is a must read for anyone who knows the operational history, but not the personal history, of WWII.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Odd Sea; Author: Visit Amazon's Frederick Reiken Page; Review: The most consistent comment found in other reviews of this book is that "it will stay with you". And it will. "The Odd Sea" is by turns sorrowful and uplifting, but ultimately it is just about dealing. About living one's life in the face of the pain, frequently unexplainable, that comes into every life. As the reader follows Phillip's ongoing, quietly desperate, search for the whereabouts of his lost brother, we see all the characters deal with tragedy in their own way. Eventually, we see Phillip come to grips with his grief. "The Odd Sea" is a short novel, with simple, yet elegant, prose. I read it in just a few hours. However, its moving narrative will stay with me much longer; it is one of the best novels I have read in the last five years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The First World War: An Illustrated History; Author: Visit Amazon's John Keegan Page; Review: There are two problems with much of the writing about WWI in the latter half of the 20th century: 1. It is frequently considered through the lens of WWII, which, while understandable, does nothing to enhance our understanidng of WWI and 2. It is frequently misunderstood just how much technology changed between the wars, and how that lack of technology impacted WWI. In this wonderful work, Keegan avoids both of those pitfalls. In regards to the former issue, the work stands alone; World War One is considered in the context of its own historical period, and biases from WWII are non-existant. Whatever crimes the Germans may have committed in the 1930's and 40's, they have no bearing on this work. In regards to the second issue, Keegan captures what is perhaps the greatest tragedy of WWI. Most people assume that it was just a slugfest, with no creative tactics being employed by either side. That is only true in part, however, because that impasse we all know so well was only arrived at as a result of tactics that were more advanced than the technology of the time. In fact, the entire German strategy was based around a massive flanking maneuver that was impossible to execute without significant motorized transportation that simply was not available on that time. Moreover, he goes on to point out how what was essentially 19th century communication was being used on battlefields the dwarfed those of the preceeding century. Ultimately, "The First World War" is a thorough, superbly researched work on WWI. Keegan does an excellent job of capturing the politics of the day, and then drags the reader through the muck and horror of the trenches. It is devoid of both bias from WWII and the technological arrogance of our day. It is a remarkably even-handed work, and bodes well for the future of study of the Great War.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bombay Ice: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Leslie Forbes Page; Review: In her debut novel, Leslie Forbes' reach exceeds her grasp. Fortunately for the reader, in failing to achieve perfection, she has still surpassed the bulk of the new fiction on the market. "Bombay Ice" is a dizzying, sultry foray into the dark underside of Indian culture. The reader is pushed and pulled through a host of mind-bending circumstances and events as the heroine searches for her sister's murderer. In gritty detail, the reader is exposed to Bombay, and to a lesser degree, the rest of India through the eyes of someone who both loves and loathes the country. The downside with this novel is that Forbes tries to tackle too much in one book. "Bombay Ice" is alternately a look at the sociology of modern India, an examination of mental illness, and of course, ultimately, a murder mystery. All of these elements are executed well, to a point; but there is simply not enough time to flesh them out completely and keep the novel moving along. Ironically, this mish-mash of angles confuses the plot and ends up having the positive effect of masking the conclusion. Forbes is a writer of prodigous talent, and with a little polishing, she will undoubtably win raves in the future. In the meantime, "Bombay Ice" is a very strong effort, and a thoroughly enjoyable novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Damascus Gate; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Stone Page; Review: "Damascus Gate" is one of that rare breed of novels written for the thinking person. It is by no means an easy read; the prose can be dense and full of double meaning, the writing presupposes an understanding of Middle Eastern troubles, and the pacing is sometimes uneven. However, it is all of these elements that make this such a great novel. The very fact that it is not easy to read is what makes it so thought-provoking. The reader must really take his/her time to absorb and digest every word. The plot itslelf is complex enough; like a literary Ludlum, Stone navigates a maze of drugs, guns, greed and fanaticism. Furthermore, beyond this, ultimately satisfying, surface, is a compelling look at the nature of belief and faith, and non-belief and a lack of faith, and how each can cause intolerance and mayhem. "Damascus Gate" is a powerful, exciting novel. It is also a novel that will leave you thinking about a lot of different issues, and about yourself. In my opinion, those are usually the best kind.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reliquary; Author: Douglas J. Preston; Review: As a sequal to "Relic", "Reliquary had some pretty large shoes to fill. It is therefore understandable that is comes up somewhat short. The primary reason for this is that the monster in "Relic" was so bizarre, and the setting so creepy, that to recreate to mood in a sequel would have required rehashing the original material. Make no mistake, Preston and Child avoid that pitfall admirably. "Reliquary", while it draws on material in Relic, heads in entirely new, and frequently unexpected directions. Most of the characters from "Relic" make encore appearances, and the authors do and admirable job of continuing their development. Without giving any of the plot away, I can also say that the use of the NYC underground for much of the staging of the novel is a superb choice. It is close, but unknown, and captures completely the sense of the "near-unknown" found in every urban legend. All in all, a great read. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A World at Arms: A Global History of World War II; Author: Visit Amazon's Gerhard L. Weinberg Page; Review: There are two major problems with most of the one volume histories of World War II. First, they tend to show the author's area of particular interest by focusing too heavily on one particular theater, at the expense of the rest. The second, is that it is impossible to consider all of the aspects of the conflict with equal thoroughness. Inevitably either the politcal, tactical, human, or economic aspect of the war will receive short shrift. Weinberg overcomes this frequent fault by setting for himself a very particular area of study, and sticking to it. In "A War to be One", Weinberg looks at the war as a truly global conflict. He is not so much concerned with the fighting, per se, as he is witht he personalities and policies that drove it. He explores the nature of the various alliances, and pays a great deal of attention to the role of neutrals in the conflict. He spends very little time on specific battles, rather devoting his attention to the campaigns as a whole, and their economic and politcal impacts. "A World at War" is truly one of the top two or three books I have encountered on WWII. Weinberg's thoroughness and tremendous research are worthy of the highest praise. Furthermore, by giving equal attention to all areas of conflict, particularly some of the lesser known ones, the reader truly develops an appreciation for the "world" in World War II. One note of caution, however, this is not a work for someone new to the field. Very little of the build-up to the conflict is discussed, and names and places are usual treated as known quantities. Also, I would recommend the excellent "A War to be Won" by Murray and Millet as the perfect companion piece to this work, as they focus exclusively on the operational aspects of the war.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fatherland; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Harris Page; Review: Two things about this novel. First, it is an excellent politcal thriller/murder mystery. In the tradition of Robert Ludlum, the main character races around Europe with a palpable, yet generally faceless menace stalking his every step. The writing is tight and fast, and will leave you breathless. The second thing about "Fatherland", and what sets it apart from Ludlum's works, is that it takes place in a masterfully realized alternate past in which the Germans are years removed from having won WWII. By deftly incorporating historical figures into his narrative, Harris both reveals a solid understanding of Nazi politics, and makes the story all the more sinister. In other words, the evil in the book doesn't have to be imagined, because we know all to well what it really was. Finally, I know there are some purists who would argue that from the moment Germany invaded Russsia, and certainly from the moment it declared war on the US, it was doomed. They may very well be right; but for the pruposes of this novel, it doesn't really matter. The mere fact that victory didn't seem inevitable in the dark days of '40-'42 makes this shocking alternate history viable, and all the more real. Enjoy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Archangel; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Harris Page; Review: First off, for those of you think that "Archangel" is an alternate history in the tradition of Harris' excellent "Fatherland", it's not. This novel is more of a "what if"; an examination of the ripple that one change in history might have. I don't want to discuss the specifics for fear of ruining the plot, but suffice it to say that it involves the politics of modern day Russia. Overall this is a strong novel. Harris once again makes good use of real history to set the tone, and in this case displays an astute take on the political situation in Russia. He wisely recognizes that freedom without prosperity can make people nostaligic for even the most brutal regimes. Furthermore, in its latter stages, "Archangel" serves as a cautionary tale for the dangers of nationalism run amok. So there is a lot of meat to this novel. Unfrotunately, Harris hurries through the last 50 pages or so. Of course, I understand the need to create a sense of urgency and pace to any thriller, but by the end I almost felt like he was just bailing out. There were a lot of different paths that might have led to a more satisfying conclusion. All in all though, "Archangel" is a strong political/thriller, which is let down, but not ruined, by a rather rushed conclusion.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beowulf: A New Verse Translation; Author: Visit Amazon's Seamus Heaney Page; Review: Seamus Heaney has done the world a great service in his translation of "Beowulf". By breaking away from the slavish attention to meter and literal transcription found in most editions, he has captured the true essence of the poem. While not identical in timing, his well chosen language ripples with the energy and pace of the original. Of particular note, I found that the sometimes uncomfortable dichotomy of Christian and pagan traditions to be revealed masterfully. While there are dozens of interpretations of this poem, I've always felt that Beowulf, the man, was at least in part a metaphor for both the death of the pagan tradition, and the bith of the Christian one; and Heaney captures this beautifully. This is really an oustanding translation that carries "Beowulf" into the twenty-first century with far more vibrance than it had in the twentieth. Finally, if you're still not convinced, this translation features the original Old English on facing pages, if you feel like having a stab at it yourself, or just getting a better feel for the meter.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sea of Silver Light (Otherland, Book 4); Author: Visit Amazon's Tad Williams Page; Review: A lot of times, you'll come to the end of a series, and you'll be let down. It's almost inevitable; series like Williams' "Otherland", are so detailed, and involve so many characters, any satisfying resolution seems to exceed the author's grasp. Not so in this case. "Sea of Silver Light", wraps everything up nicely, but not hurriedly, and not without enough twists to keep you guessing right up until the end. In my case, a few of my pet hunches panned out, but many others were way off the mark, and in most instances, I didn't even hazard a guess. That's the beauty of this series, since Williams' operates outside of the world as we know it, the only constraint is his imagination, which is top notch. I would go on, but the risk of spoliers is just to great. Furthermore, his writing has just gotten better and better as the series has progressed. His character development is light-years beyond where it was at the beginning of the series, let alone his earlier works; and it was pretty good then. For those of you who have stumbled across this book, find "Otherland: City of Golden Shadow" and order it now! The whole series is predicated on a virtual reality network so realistic that it is seemless with the real world, to the point where if you die on the network, you die in real life. As you might guess, this network contains a near infinite number of "worlds", each populated by a host of bizarre, fun, frightening characters. Furthermore, William's pays tribute to many of his own literary influences by borrowing from Tolkien, Wells and Burroughs, to name a few. At the same time, he carries on a subtle debate about what "life" really is. Not only is this a well written, original adventure, but it's also a serious consideration of where technology is taking us as a species. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Zimmermann Telegram; Author: Barbara W. Tuchman; Review: While the Zimmerman Telegram is one of the most important documents in history, and is perhaps the greatest result of code breaking in history, it is nonetheless frequently overlooked. Most people have at least heard "Remember the Lusitania" which had essentially nothing to do with the U.S. entering WWI. Few, however, are familiar with this short telegram that is truly a hinge on which history turned. One cannot blame Barbara Tuchman for this, however, as this work brings alive the intrigue of the time like no other. Reading like a spy novel, and yet all the more chilling because it's true, Tuchman navigates the reader through the murky waters of WWI intrigue. We learn how, in a misguided effort to distract the U.S. from Europe, Germany sought to foment trouble on the U.S./Mexican border. We learn how the British scrambled to inform the Americans of this, without comprimising their sources. And we learn how a tortured President Wilson was forced to take the steps towards war. "The Zimmerman Telegram" is history as it should be written; loaded with primary sources, and with the breathless pace that events really unfolded. While better known for "The Guns of August", it is this work that makes me rank Barabara Tuchman as one of the best historians of the 20th Century. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hinge of Fate (The Second World War); Author: Winston S. Churchill; Review: What Keegan's excellent "The Second World War" lacks in depth, it more than makes up for in breadth. The author does a superb job of condensing literally tons of sources, and a host of viewpoints, to capture the essence of the war. He does so by focusing on strategy; more specifically, the strategic dilemmas facing the major combatants. For example, how the U.S. could maintain a "Germany first" strategy after Pearl Harbor. He then goes on to capture the revolution in combat by considering the different kinds of battles fought in WWII. e.g. amphibious, airborne, urban, etc. Overall, "The Second World War" is an excellent volume, whether for someone new to the field, or an old hand. While the book is weighted towards the strategic/tactical aspects of the war, it is in these areas that Keegan truly shines. He is, after all, the world's foremost "military historian" not "economic", or "politcal" historian. Even so, this work is still an excellent "one-volume" history of WWII. Two final notes, one positive, one negative. The bad first; for a work that focuses largely on strategy the maps are entirely inadequate. Significantly more, and better, are required to capture the action being described. On a positive note, Keegan does an excellent job of making use of combat photography to supplement his work. While many authors of "serious" histories seem to shun illustration, Keegan realizes that a picture really can speak a thousand words...especially when it is capturing the horror of combat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The CASE FOR MARS; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Zubrin Page; Review: In his excellent "The Case for Mars", Robert Zubrin makes a thorough, thoughtful argument about the need for the exploration of Mars. In a very well rounded, easy to read work, he lays out both the scientific and humanistic reasons for a trip to the Red Planet. While his science is excellent (he is a former Lockheed engineer), what is most compelling about this book is what Zubrin sees as the primary reason for Mars exploration: it is there. He correctly asserts that humans are at their most creative and productive when they pit themselves against a major challenge. He sees the exploration and colonization of Mars as a means of injecting the human race with fresh vitality and drive. After reading this excellent book, I'm inclined to agree.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Entering Space; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Zubrin Page; Review: Although less focused than his excellent "The Case for Mars", "Entering Space" is an excellent book. I say less focused because in this work, Zubrin is considering a number of points for colonization (the Moon, Mars, asteroids, other solar systems), and a much broader time horizon. Thus, as one might expect, his "plans" are less thorough than the one outlined in his previous work. That said, they are equally sound at their core, and are rigorously supported through the use of easy to understand physics, chemistry, and even a little biology. Most importantly, though, "Entering Space" reiterates Zubrin's core argument: that it is an human imperative to explore, and that the failure to do so can only negatively affect our species. Ultimately, he's trying to get people excited about space exploration, to get them thinking about the enormous benefits, rather than the cost, and possible risk. This is a wonderful, inspiring work that should be read by anyone who's ever dreamed of treading on another planet; and perhaps more so by those who haven't. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: By Winston S. Churchill - Triumph and Tragedy: 1st (first) Edition; Author: ; Review: What Keegan's excellent "The Second World War" lacks in depth, it more than makes up for in breadth. The author does a superb job of condensing literally tons of sources, and a host of viewpoints, to capture the essence of the war. He does so by focusing on strategy; more specifically, the strategic dilemmas facing the major combatants. For example, how the U.S. could maintain a "Germany first" strategy after Pearl Harbor. He then goes on to capture the revolution in combat by considering the different kinds of battles fought in WWII. e.g. amphibious, airborne, urban, etc. Overall, "The Second World War" is an excellent volume, whether for someone new to the field, or an old hand. While the book is weighted towards the strategic/tactical aspects of the war, it is in these areas that Keegan truly shines. He is, after all, the world's foremost "military historian" not "economic", or "politcal" historian. Even so, this work is still an excellent "one-volume" history of WWII. Two final notes, one positive, one negative. The bad first; for a work that focuses largely on strategy the maps are entirely inadequate. Significantly more, and better, are required to capture the action being described. On a positive note, Keegan does an excellent job of making use of combat photography to supplement his work. While many authors of "serious" histories seem to shun illustration, Keegan realizes that a picture really can speak a thousand words...especially when it is capturing the horror of combat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GUNS, GERMS AND STEEL - A Short History of Everybody for the Last 13,000 Years; Author: Visit Amazon's Jared Diamond Page; Review: In "Guns, Germ and Steel", Jared Diamond presents the rather simple thesis that the rise of complex societies has been influenced primarily be geography. I say "rather simple", because the author goes to great lengths to prove it. There is actually nothing simple about his argument, as geography encompasses climate, suitability for agriculture, native fauna, natural resources, etc. Furthermore, he needs to revise his argument for North and South America, Australia, Africa and much of Asia, to account for different variables in each locale. Finally, after laying out and backing up his thesis, he applies it to a walk through of modern history, and identifies why Europeans were so successful in dominating the rest of the globe. He is no apologist for brutality and slavery, but he correctly points out that the diseases the Europeans brought with them were the overwhelming cause of death and defeat for indigenous cultures around the world. In turn, these diseases were the result of the urban lifestyle Europeans had. A lifestyle supported by easily farmed grains and domesticated animals. Of course, it's all much more complicated than that, and Diamond does a superb job of walking the reader through his thesis in well written, easy to digest chapters. A background in evolution, biology or sociology will certainly enhance the readers understanding/enjoyment but it is by no means necessary. My only complaint about this work is that Diamond tends to belabor points long after his case is made. A zeal for thoroughness, however, is a small complaint about an otherwise excellent work.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: While America Sleeps: Self-Delusion, Military Weakness, and the Threat to Peace Today; Author: Visit Amazon's Donald Kagan Page; Review: Unfortunately, most won't, but if just a few of our leaders would, we'd be on the right track. "While America Sleeps" is an engaging, insightful work of comparative history. Using Great Britain between the wars as a point of comparison for the US today, the authors outline the great dangers we face as a nation. In much the same way that Britain demobilized after WWI, the US has taken a huge "peace dividend" and gutted it's military since the end of the Cold War. Furthermore, US foreign policy has been consistently erratic, misguided and timid over the same period. By using well known examples like Iraq, North Korea and the Balkans, the authors illustrate how the US has failed to make a strong stand when confronted with aggression. Furthermore, when a stand is made, it is usually ineffective and half-hearted. They describe how the Bush (the 1st) administration had many of the right ideas about the role of a lone superpower, but failed to implement them. This was due largely to a failure to educate the public, and a lingering "Vietnam Syndrome" that continues to plague the military. They go on to lambast (and rightly so) the Clinton administration for both failing to understand the dynamic of global relations, and for utterly misapplying military force. Make no mistake, while the Kagan's have a point to make, this is not a work of theory. The history is excellent, and makes superb use of primary sources. It is the quality of the research and writing, and the urgency of the conclusion that make this book. The author's opinions are clear, but neither dogmatic, nor partisan.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Declare: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Tim Powers Page; Review: Wow! "Declare" is one of the most unique novels I have read in a long time. Powers does a superb job of blending the best elements of fantasy and spy thrillers into a remarkably creative novel. The real key to the book is that it covers old ground from an entirely new angle. Instead of looking at the stories we know from the Cold War, or the ones that probably happened (or could have happened), Powers instead takes something fantastic and makes it believable. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but the basic premise of the novel is that significant aspects of the Cold War revolved around magic, or more generally, the occult. In their race to triumph, the adversaries deal with powers they can't truly understand. What makes "Declare" believable, however, is the author's blending of real historical figures into the novel. In fact, the famed British traitor Kim Philby plays a pivotal role. Powers achieves this "blending" without disrupting any of the timeline of what actually happened, which makes the novel all the more real and gripping. If your tired of the same old rehashing of the Cold War you get from most thrillers, give "Declare" a try. The writing is superb, the characters are well drawn, and the plot is incredibly original. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forever War, The; Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Haldeman Page; Review: I have read "The Forever War" several times now, and I'm always amazed at just how good it is. On the one hand, it's loaded with action, has great characters and technology and is just a great read. On the other hand, it is a surprisingly thoughtful novel. Haldeman isn't just telling a story; he's examining why the human race seems to be constantly incited to violence, and the impact that violence has on us. His particular concern is the impact on the young soldiers drafted into an impossible conflict. In much the same way that soldiers in Vietnam faced an unknowable enemy with no home front behind them, so to do his characters face the ultimate enigma (an alien race) hundreds of millions of miles from home. Simply put, "The Forever War" is just an outstanding novel. Full of violence, compassion, dread and hope, it will stay with you long after you have completed it. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forever Peace; Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Haldeman Page; Review: First off, if you're looking for a sequel to the "Forever War", stop here. The two novels, in terms of characters, setting, etc. are in no way related. In their message they certainly compliment each other, but one is by no means a prerequisite for the other. As for the novel itself, "Forever Peace" is outstanding. While it is ultimately not quite as powerful as "The Forever War" it is also a lot more plausible. The world in which it takes place is disturbingly familiar to our own, and it is by no means unlikely that we could end up there in the relatively near future. Like "The Forever War", "Forever Peace" operates on two levels. On the one it is an exciting, engaging read with great chracters and technology. On the other, it is a serious examination of societal and politcal issues. To examine these issues here would give away some of the plot; suffice it to say they are both familiar and pressing. In "Forever Peace" Haldeman has written a novel that is both cautionary and hopeful. It is both and enjoyable read, and a book that will keep you thinking. To my mind, that's the best kind. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mole People: Life in the Tunnels Beneath New York City; Author: Visit Amazon's Jennifer Toth Page; Review: In "The Mole People" Jennifer Toth tells the story of the New York City homeless who have taken up residence in the subway tunnels and sub-basements of Manhatten. In clear, eloquent prose, Toth introduces the reader to the genuinely surreal existence of people who live out much of their lives in dark, man-made catacombs. With both the eye of a scientist and the compassion of a concerned human being, Toth examines what has driven these people underground, and how it is they exist in such an environment. This book is astonishing in that something that reads like a bizzare work of fiction is in fact true. It is hard to believe that people could or would live in subway tunnels. but Toth's reporting is compelling. My one complaint is that she didn't do much to research the architetural aspects of sub-surface NYC. I suspect she would have done much to silence her critics if she had mapped her travels and compared them to available blue-prints.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cosmonaut Keep (Engines of Light); Author: Visit Amazon's Ken MacLeod Page; Review: Once again, Ken Macleod has produced an original, intelligent work of science fiction in "Cosmonaut Keep". As usual, he has created a world that is by turns familiar, in other words it has its basis in a plausible future Earth, and completely bizarre. The bizzare aspects, in this isntance, being an earth-like planet that is home to humanoid (and regular) dinosaurs, native humans, and humans from Earth, and starships piloted by giant squid. Much like his previous books, Macleod has filled this one with quirky, conlicting (and conflicted) politcal theories. It is in this regard that he shines as one of the smartest authors around today. He writes with the authority of a polical scientist, but never comes across as dogmatic. I suspect that in real life he is left of center, but the politcal philosophies his characters espouse are really just vehicles to drive the plot. Finally, one positive, one negative. On the positive side, the characters in "Cosmonaut Keep" are Macleod's best yet. They show a level of depth that is just amazing; a level I didn't find in his previous works. On the negative side, "Cosmonaut Keep", like Macleod's other novels is told in alternating time periods. This proves to be a very creative way to intertwine seemingly disparite storylines, but it is handled poorly in the first half of this novel. Macleod should have been more careful in the details he reveals, as I found myself hopelessly confused 50 pages in. In the end all becomes clear, but this is a tough novel to get into as a result. Ultimately, though, "Cosmonaut Keep" is a smart, entertaining beginning to what promises to be a great series. Enjoy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Church of Dead Girls: A Thriller; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen Dobyns Page; Review: I generally don't like mysteries, but "The Church of Dead Girls" is so well written, so intriguing, I couldn't help but like it. The primary reason is that it is not what one would consider a "traditional" mystery. Yes, there are murders and multiple suspects; but there is also an intense examination of the psychology of small towns and the nature of human darkness. Dobyns' makes the reader think even as he entertains. By introducing a host of less than reputable suspects he keeps the reader on their toes right up until the end. At the same time, however, he is also pointing out the darkness and suspicion we all carry inside of us. He recognizes that the primary difference between a "normal" person and a "monster" is as much restraint as anything. Furthermore, his characters are superbly written, and yet enigmatic. One can't help but feel that their actions and motivations are the same as one's own acquaintances. "The Church of Dead Girls" has it all. It's a creepy, engaging thriller with plenty of twists, and it's also a very thoughtful, thought-provoking novel. It is well worth reading.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forever Free; Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Haldeman Page; Review: As the sequel to one of the great works of Science Fiction (literature) of that last 25 years, "Forever Free" had a lot to measure up to. Unfotunately it comes up short. the premise is intriguing enough; pick up with characters from "The Forever War" and see what they've been up to. In particular, I was excited to see how nearly 25 years had changed Haldeman's perspective about his characters and the universe he had created. In the beggining it looks like he'll be up to the task. The characters are superbly written and the pace of the book is excellent. Unfortunately, as the novel progresses, these attributes are never built upon. Ultimately the book doesn't really go anywhere; I don't want to give away the plot, but towards the end, Haldeman doesn't seem to be able to unravel what he has created, so he resorts to the fantastic. That's fine in some instances, but it's out of place here. This was a novel that I really wanted to like, but in the end it just fell short. It was too rushed, and didn't make use of a solid foundation. While I can't say that I hated it, I didn't love it either. Ultimately, "Forever Free" wasn't a bad way to kill and afternoon, but it hasn't really stayed with me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dark Continent: Europe's Twentieth Century; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Mazower Page; Review: In "Dark Continent" Mark Mazower has turned a bright light onto the frequently murky field of European politics. While by no means a comprehensive review of either 20th Century Europe, or even its politics, "Dark Continent" thoroughly examines the nature of the modern European state. At its most fundamental level, "Dark Continent" takes as its thesis that the view of the modern European state as naturally democratic is definitively false. It is perhaps obvious that Europe has been dominated by totalitarian regimes, whether fascist or communist, during the 20th Century. What is perhaps less obvious is the degree of intrusion which supposedly enlightened governments inflict on their populations. He correctly points out that socialism in its varied forms has frequently been (and continues to be) an excuse for greater government control. Ultimately he shatters the myth of a tendency towards European democracy and freedom. While Nazism and the USSR serve as overt reminders of this fact, it is the less obvious examples that drive his point home. By way of conclusion, he does not dismiss the European Union out of hand, but argues strongly that it is in no way a result of an evolutionary process. In other words, there is nothing in modern European history that indicates that it was either foreordained or that it is guaranteed to succeed. "Dark Continent" is a remarkable book that should be read for two interrelated reasons. The first is that if one assumes a natural benevolence in the political systems of Europe, one can not possibly hope to understand modern European history. On a related note, without a firm grasp of its past, it is impossible to understand what is going on in Europe's present, or to predict what may happen in its future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Catskill Eagle; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert B. Parker Page; Review: Although somewhat dated, "Fail-Safe" is a taught novel that ranks among the best Cold War thrillers. The characters have real depth, and the writing moves at a brisk, tense...but not hurried pace. In fact, the authors do such an excellent job of cranking up the tension in one long, slow pull, I felt almost physically drained upon finishing it. Of particular note, the authors have succeeded in writing a novel that operates on two levels. In the tradition of "On the Beach" by Shute, "Fail-Safe" is both a gripping novel, and a thoughtful commentary on the almost absurd politics of the Cold War. The authors examine what was at the time a very real concern about the hair-trigger between peace and global destruction; the concern that machines were supplanting humans. In so doing they reveal more about the mentality of the Cold War than many works of history. In the end, "Fail-Safe" does a superb job of capturing the terror of the Cold War. It succeeds as both a thriller, and as a work of thought provoking literature. Enjoy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: AN INSTANCE OF THE FINGERPOST; Author: Visit Amazon's Iain Pears Page; Review: "An Instance of the Fingerpost" does so many things right, it's hard to know where to begin. First and foremost, I guess, is that unlike most modern mysteries, the reader actually remains in suspense for much of the book. Which leads my second point, the remarkable way in which the book is written. Rather than one long narrative, the reader is provided with four, each from a different point of view, and each approaching the central mystery from a different point. As a result the reader is introduced to many plot threads that seem significant, only to have them snipped off later in the novel. Furthermore, Pears does a superb job of capturing the spirit of the time. His use of the English language is impeccable, as the dialogue possesses a distinct 17th Century feel. More impressive, however, is his ability to write an engaging novel, using real people as characters, without disrupting the actual timeline of events. Of course the central story is fictional, but it operates seamlessly within historical fact. "An Instance of the Fingerpost" is not just an excellent mystery, it is an excellent work of literature as well. The characters are incredibly well drawn and grapple with their consciences to a remarkable degree. It is undoubtedly a novel that leaves the reader thinking about right and wrong, and about how they might have acted in similar circumstances. In conclusions I offer two warnings. First, read this book in the shortest time you can; the longer it takes you to read it, the more likely you are to forget key points from the various narratives. Second, since the story is presented in four parts, the novel starts out a little slow. Stick with it, though, and you won't be disappointed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Philosophical Investigation: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Kerr Page; Review: In "A Philosophical Investigation" Philip Kerr comes up with one of the most original premises I have ever encountered in the "thriller" genre. What if a killer philosophically justified his murders in advance, and what if modern science, on some level, supported those justifications? I don't want to give away the plot, but suffice it to say that Kerr's Earth of the 2020's is a dystopia in the classic tradition. On the surface, everything is OK, as technology has made work easier and play more intense. At the same time, though, the technology has subtly stolen the freedom of the indivdual and blurred the lines between right and wrong. As a result, the villain lives in a world where a logical moral argument can be made for the murder of society's undesirables. Is murder wrong if it removes potentially dangerous (genetically identified) people from society? "A Philosophical Investigation" succeeds as a futuristic thriller without any literary pretensions. The characters are deep and well drawn, and the future England is realistic. However, it is those "literary pretensions", that set this novel apart and that will leave you thinking. Enjoy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Children's War: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's J.N. Stroyar Page; Review: In "The Children's War", J. N. Stroyar has written a novel of immense creativity, startling realism and remarkable emotion. While it functions brilliantly as an example of the "alternate-history" genre it is also much more. By imagining a Third Reich that existed into the 21st century, Stroyar provides herself with the perfect backdrop to explore the central themes of this novel: humanity, hope, compassion, revenge...I could go on, there are so many. At its core, "The Children's War" is the story of Peter Halifax a victim of unspeakable Nazi brutality. After years of humiliation, servitude and beatings, he escapes to the Polish Underground; however, his hopes of a more simple, free, life are shattered as he faces the judgement of people who barely even understand what they are fighting for. That's where the novel gets its name, the resistance is fighting for something completely intangible, they are children who have never known freedom, or Poland, or justice, as anything other than a concept. In their quest for survival they have had to make so many compromises their resistance has become almost ritualized. Furthermore, their necessary isolation has calcified many of their views to the point where they are almost as prejudiced, although not as brutal, as the Nazis. Therein lies the central dichotomy of the novel. Peter is appalled at the accommodations that the Poles have made with the Nazis in order to guarantee their survival. At the same, the Poles judge Peter for having done what he needed to do to survive, without having ever been in a similar position; always safe in their "Ivory Bunker". Ultimately, they are both right and both wrong; in a world of constant warfare, everything is shades of gray. The characters come to realize that humanity is something that you carry in your heart and your mind, not necessarily in your actions. In terms of the narrative writing and characterizations, I was blown away. The writing was among the best I have ever encountered, which is all the more remarkable since the author is a first time novelist. In particular, Stroyar avoided the pitfall that many authors fall into when writing alternate history: to much information. All to often the authors feel the need to explain in painstaking detail how they arrived at the time the are writing about. Not so Stroyar, who clearly understands that a well drawn present with sufficient, but not overt, background information is more important than the reverse. Furthermore, Stroyar has a superb grasp of politics, both international and domestic. She understands perfectly the stasis that totalitarian regimes must inevitably fall in to, and the introverted inertia that so plagues democracies at peace. The characters are brutally real, they exhibit an incredible range of emotion, and while not always sympathetic, they are always human. There were actually times when I had to stop reading this novel because it was just too gut wrenching. Of course I couldn't stay away for more than 15 minutes, but I have never been affected by a novel that way. At this point it's fairly; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare : Theory and Practice; Author: Visit Amazon's William H. McRaven Page; Review: In "Spec Ops" William H. McRaven has written a comprehensive, thoughtful, theory of special operations. In so doing, he has taken a field of arms that is shrouded and myth and bravado, and applied rigorous logic to it; the end result of which is both a useful tool for the analysis of past operations, and a guidebook for future ones. The key to this work's success is that it cuts through the mayhem, and "seat-of-their-pants" view that most people have of special operations, and breaks them down using simple, constant analysis. First McRaven considers the overall mission: Was it worth the risk? Was it executed according to plan, and if not why? What could have been done better? He then goes on to identify six key components of any special operation: Simplicity, Security, Repetition, Surprise, Speed and Purpose. He correctly points out that weakness in any one of these areas can be compensated for, to a degree, by strength in the others, but they all must be present to some degree. Finally he considers the most critical aspect of any special operation; Did/can the attacking force achieve and maintain relative superiority over the enemy? I say critical because by definition the special forces will never have absolute superiority, it is only in their ability to temporarily achieve superiority that they can have any hope of success. McRaven, observes that failure to achieve relative superiority must inevitably result in a failure to achieve objectives at the minimum, and disaster at the worst. By analyzing eight classic special operations, McRaven proves the merits of his theory time and again. Over the course of fifty years and a host of political environments, he illustrates the overarching validity of his arguments. In so doing he has provided both the special warrior, and the military historian alike with a powerful, valuable tool.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Observatory Mansions: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Edward Carey Page; Review: "Observatory Mansions" is an excellent first novel by Edward Carey, that explores some of the most fundamental issues a person can deal with. At the center of the novel, the reader finds Francis Orme, the narrator, and resident of `Observatory Mansions', which is the subdivided remains of his ancestral home. Alongside Francis live characters that are so bizarre that one would consider them cartoonish if it wasn't for their heartbreaking psychoses. To reveal their mental disturbances, both collective and individual, would give away much of the plot, but it is sufficient to say that the element that holds them together is the "self-institutionalization" that they have inflicted on themselves and each other. On the surface, Francis is the most outwardly normal of the cast of characters, although this isn't saying much. He wears gloves as a literal representation of the mental barriers he has placed between himself and the world. He collects what is in essence garbage, because he sees it as having been loved, and therefore uses it as a proxy for real love. However, his carefully constructed world, and those of his apartment-mates, come crumbling down with the arrival of a more spiritually rooted resident. I think this is where a lot of the other reviewers have a complaint with this novel. I have yet to see a critique of the authors prose, which is reminiscent of Saramago's "All the Names", and I have seen no argument with his characterizations, which are superb. Rather, I think readers are disturbed because this book is about the power of the human spirit, and its ability to mend itself. Not all of the characters ride off into the sunset, but they don't all wither and die either. It is in this range of outcomes that Carey most effectively considers his core subject. The negative reviews of the ending I have seen put me in mind of the reaction one gets to the 21st chapter of "A Clockwork Orange" in which Alex is starting to weary of his brutal life. To paraphrase Burgess, what is the point in examining the human condition if it always ends in misery? That's not life. "Observatory Mansions" although a caricature, is life. It is sad and bizarre, but it is also hopeful and uplifting, and that's life. Carey has written an excellent novel, and I expect further greatness from him in the future.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Treehouses: The Art and Craft of Living Out on a Limb; Author: Visit Amazon's Peter Nelson Page; Review: In "Treehouses : The Art and Craft of Living Out on a Limb" Peter Nelson has come about as close as is possible to capturing the sheer joy of a treehouse in print. Through the use of beautiful photographs and ebullient prose he reveals the little kid in all of us that is just itching to climb a tree. He discusses the different forms that a treehouse can take: from a ramshackle affair built by children, to veritable mansions among the leaves. He also strives to capture what it is that makes a great treehouse; he seems to believe (and I agree) that a great treehouse isn't reflected so much in outer beauty, but in how it mirrors the essence of the tree itself. Which brings me to a final point: many of the other reviewers have expressed concern about the fate of the trees. Let me reassure them that Nelson, both in his sample designs, and in his own constructions, encourages (and even lauds) limiting the use of nails driven into the tree to the bare minimum. In fact, he goes so far as to posit a treehouse constructed with no nails driven into living wood as an ideal. This is a wonderful, engaging book. Anyone who has ever enjoyed climbing trees, or had a treehouse, or who wants to build a treehouse would do well to buy a copy. It is both an intriguing look at the architecture of these fanciful abodes, and a celebration of their spirit of freedom and escape. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Seven Military Classics Of Ancient China (History and Warfare); Author: Visit Amazon's Ralph D. Sawyer Page; Review: In considering Ralph Sawyer's translation of "The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China" one must look at the work from two angles. First, one must consider the quality of the translation, and how well the author has set the historical stage for the piece. Second, one must consider the pieces themselves, and their pertinence to modern strategic thinking. Regarding the first issue, Sawyer has done a superb job in both his translation, and in his historical research. The prose is easy to read and understand, but the essential, almost poetic, essence of the original language has not been sacrificed. Furthermore, each piece is prefaced by a brief, but detailed, overview of the work including a biography of the author, or possible authors, and a synopsis of the historical context in which the work was created. In addition, the book is heavily footnoted, which allows the reader to fully comprehend each piece, without the primary texts being chopped up. Regarding the second angle, I was genuinely astonished by how pertinent theses works are to modern military thinking. For such primitive (chronologically, not intellectually) works, they do a superb job of capturing the key elements of strategic thinking: maneuver, logistics, terrain, combined arms and command hierarchy. Moreover, they are extremely sophisticated in their consideration of Grand Strategy and the mobilization of the population. While these works are by no means a blue print for a modern army (the codes of conduct are draconian, to say the least), they undoubtedly provide a framework for the analysis/planning of modern operations. This is truly a superb work that captures both the philosophical and the practical aspects of some of the most ancient books on the planet. Furthermore, it is a fascinating look at ancient Chinese history. It is truly a must read for anyone interested in military theory or international relations, particularly with China once again ascendant on the world stage.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Einstein's Dreams; Author: Visit Amazon's Alan Lightman Page; Review: In "Einstein's Dreams" Alan Lightman offers up a consideration of what Albert Einstein's dreams might have been like in the weeks leading up to the publication of his Theory of Relativity in 1905. Over the course of thirty vignettes, Einstein dreams of the various courses through which time might flow (or not flow). What I found to be most intriguing was that the author played upon our perceptions of time in each dream. For example, we have all felt like time is moving slower for us than everyone else, but what if this were actually the case? What if you actually could "seize the moment"? While this a very short book (I read it in less than 2 hours), it really leaves you thinking about how we spend our time. By taking things we all wish we could do, like stopping time in its tracks, and making them physical constants, Lightman sheds a lot of light on to the way we can waste our time, and our lives, "Einstein's Dreams" is a delightful novel that reads almost like poetry. Although cautionary about taking time for granted, it is not judgmental, and makes no claim to the correct use of one's time. If you're looking for a novel in the traditional sense, you'd do well to pass on this book. However, if you're looking for an easy, yet insightful book, this is one for you. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Future of War: Power, Technology and American World Dominance in the Twenty-first Century; Author: Visit Amazon's George Friedman Page; Review: In light the number of stars I have given this book, I feel I should start off be stating that there is tremendous merit in this work. The authors do a superb job of pointing out the root causes of warfare, and why it is nave to expect that armed conflict has gone by the wayside. They then go on to point out the challenges to American global preeminence, and what needs to be done to assure it. Specifically they look to precision-guided munitions as the key weapons of future combat, and space as its primary battleground. They make compelling arguments for each, particularly regarding the obsolescence of the primary weapons of today's Pax Americana: the tank, the strategic bomber, and the aircraft carrier. Furthermore, the completely debunk the myth of nuclear supremacy on the modern battlefield. The problems with this book that I alluded to are twofold. First, the editing is appalling; there are numerous typos and misprints (for example, referring to a torpedo that can travel at 400 knots). While the knowledgeable reader can usually infer what the authors' intent is, editorial errors always make for a frustrating reading experience. The second concern cuts to the heart of the book. While the authors do a superb job of defining the future battlefield, they offer very little in terms of how we get there from where we currently stand. The weapons systems they describe will almost certainly come to pass, but they neither make suggestions as to the allocation of R&D dollars, nor offer any sense of what research should receive priority. In the absence of such commentary, their bold assertions frequently seem more like dogma than scholarship. Moreover, they ignore potential doctrinal changes that might extend the service life of current weapons systems while increasing their effectiveness. At its best, `The Future of War' is a visionary look into the future of armed conflict. The authors correctly grasp the dawning senility of the weapons currently deployed, and paint a bold picture of what the future battlefield will look like. Unfortunately, while brilliantly describing the future, they completely ignore the near to middle term. As a result, `The Future of War' while well worth reading, can only be treated as half of an equation. One must read the works of authors like Leonhard and MacGregor to truly appreciate the shape of the modern battlefield.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography; Author: Visit Amazon's Humphrey Carpenter Page; Review: "J. R. R. Tolkien: A Biography" by Humphrey Carpenter is a remarkable look at the life, and particularly the mind of one of the most admired authors of the twentieth century. What it is not, is a discussion of his literature, and its merits and meaning. Off course, as one would expect, "The Lord of the Rings", et al. , loom large, but they are not the primary focus. Rather, this is a surprisingly personal look at Tolkien the man. The reader follows him from South Africa, to being an orphan in early industrial England, to the trenches of France in WWI, and to an academic life in Oxford. As one follows this arc, one truly begins to appreciate what drove Tolkien to write his masterpieces. His deep loves of nature, language, family and, most surprisingly, religion all reveal themselves as key elements in his writing. Most interesting, perhaps, is the very thorough examination of his career as a philologist, his actual profession. One cannot truly appreciate the enormous depth of his work, without first appreciating his fascination with this rather arcane field, and how it drove him to create a whole new world. What started as an exercise in linguistics evolved into what is, arguably, the most beloved book ever written. Carpenter has done a great service to Tolkien's literary tradition. By presenting him as a whole, remarkably complex person, he has done much to dispel the stereotype that has come to surround him. Moreover, by exploring his truly outstanding academic credentials, one might hope that the ignorant perception held by many, that his writings are merely glorified fantasy, might be dispelled. This is truly a critical work for anyone who seeks a better understanding of this remarkable man and his remarkable works.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The House in the High Wood (A Western Lights Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Jeffrey E. Barlough Page; Review: Jefferey Barlough is without a doubt the most creative writer that I have encountered in the last year. "House in the High Woods" along with "Dark Sleeper", his first novel, is set in a 19th century Earth (at least developmentally speaking) that has been plunged into a dark ages of sorts, by an undefined cataclysm (although indications are that it was an extraterrestrial impact). At the same time, familiar fauna from the Ice Ages never went extinct; wooly mammoths, saber tooth tigers and giant sloth, among others, still roam the Earth. These differences make for a unique, and yet disturbingly familiar world. However, it is not Barlough's surplus of creativity that sets him apart, rather, it is his writing. Everything about it is incredible: his use of language is superb, his pacing strings you along at a perfect level of tension, and his characterizations are without parallel. What I enjoy most, however, is something less concrete...he creates a world of detail that would be excruciating to describe, and that is yet fascinating to read. Every aspect of the characters' lives are examined: meals, style of dress, mannerisms, their surrounding geography, etc. Barlough definitely values the journey as much as the destination. While not all of the pages in this novel are directly pertinent to the conclusion, it is an absolute pleasure just to visit his world for a while. As for "House in the High Woods" in particular, fans of his first novel will not be disappointed. While it exists in the same world and general chronology, it is by no means a sequel. Rather, it is what looks to be a series of examinations of a familiar, and yet fundamentally different Earth from a variety of perspectives. Of particular note, I found that "House in the High Woods" was much more disturbing, much more likely to keep you up at night than its predecessor. As the characters delve ever deeper into the dark mysteries of the small town of Shilston Upcot, the reader will find it almost impossible to put the book down. Fans of "Dark Sleeper" will definitely enjoy this novel, perhaps even more than the original. Barlough's writing, already very solid in "Dark Sleeper" is even sharper, and the plot is much more engaging. To those readers new to the author, I highly recommend both novels, and I see no particular advantage to reading one or the other first. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Surgeon (with Bonus Content): A Rizzoli & Isles Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Tess Gerritsen Page; Review: Tess Gerritsen's "The Surgeon" starts out with a bang and the first 150 pages are as tense as any I have ever encountered. Unfortunately, the rest of the book doesn't hold up to the promise of these early pages. This is due in large part to flaws in presentation and characterization, rather than with holes in the plot. As I mentioned, the book starts off well enough; women around Boston are being found mutilated in a particularly gruesome and yet surgically precise manner. Even more baffling, these killings are nearly identical to ones that occurred two years earlier in Savannah, GA. What makes it baffling is that that killer is undeniably dead. The only connection seems to be the one surviving of the first killer and as the "Surgeon" draws ever close to her the tension mounts. Unfortunately, Gerritsen proves to be unable to maintain this tension throughout the whole novel. The primary reason for this is that her characterizations vary markedly. Those of Detective Moore and Dr. Cordell, the two main characters, are superb. They both show tremendous depth and have very complex personalities. Unfortunately, many of the other primary characters and most of the secondary characters are just cliches: the beaten down female cop, the man hating women's clinic doctor, the chauvinistic male cop, the laconic New England store owner, the insular southern cop, etc., etc. It's not that I don't expect such slap-dash characterizations in most "popular" fiction, it's that Gerritsen is clearly capable of writing much better ones. Furthermore, as the book heads towards its climax, Gerritsen seems to be writing more of a tribute to "The Silence of the Lambs" than her own work. There are several undeniable similarities that I won't cover in detail for fear of ruining the plot; I will say, though, they left me rather deflated. In the end, "The Surgeon" is not a bad read. It kept me up late a few nights, especially early in the novel. By the conclusion, however, I felt that the author had largely abandoned what seemed to be a really original premise. If you're just looking for a quick read on the beach or the plane, you won't by any means be disappointed by this novel, but it could have been much more. If your looking for a mystery that leaves you thinking, I would recommend "Raveling" by Peter Moore Smith, or "Bombay Ice" by Leslie Forbes. "The Surgeon" seemed to be heading down the same path as these two novels, but just came up short in the end.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dispatches from the Tenth Circle: The Best of The Onion; Author: Robert Siegel; Review: The problem with satire is that the person writing it frequently has an axe to grind. As a result, it will inevitably be offensive, and hence unappreciated, by a significant portion of the population. The Onion has rather ingeniously avoided by this conundrum by mocking everyone and everything. I don't care what group you choose to affiliate yourself with, you're not human if you aren't laughing out loud, with tears streaming down your face, by the third page of "Dispatches from the Tenth Circle". What the brilliant "Our Dumb Century" did for the 1900's, so too does this book for current events. Through the medium of newspaper "articles", political leaders, musicians, actors, sports heroes, popular culture, etc. are lampooned with brutal accuracy. Most amazing is that in a book that contains literally hundreds of articles, almost all of the entries are remarkably literate. I can only describe them by suggesting that the reader imagine what it would be like if Dennis Miller edited the New York Times. Even when the humor turns lowbrow, as it sometimes does, it is so matter of fact that one can't help but laugh. There's no pretense, no embarrassment, just a deadpan delivery of frequently surreal material. This book is not for the easily offended, so if you hold your views and idols sacrosanct, skip this one. However, is you can stand to have that which you hold most dear skewered, and laugh about it, you will not regret purchasing this book. In fact I think former VP Al Gore's (I'm a registered Republican, so you can see what strange bed-fellows this book can make) statement on the back cover puts it best: "This publication is destructive to our shared values. Read it yourself and you'll see what I mean. Seriously, what else could make me laugh - much less laugh uproariously - while being offended week after week.?"; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fish, Blood, and Bone; Author: Visit Amazon's Leslie Forbes Page; Review: "Fish, Blood and Bone" by Leslie Forbes is one of the more creative books I have encountered this year, and it proves that her first effort "Bombay Ice" wasn't just a flash in the pan. That said, this novel labors under what can only be described as a pretension of being literature. That's not to say that Forbes isn't a talented writer Quite the contrary; in fact, she has an excellent grip on the English language and her characterizations are superb. Unfortunately, these gifts are shrouded by frequent changes in voice, confusing use of fonts, and poorly delineated flashbacks. It is almost as if Forbes is trying too hard to write something "important" rather than just telling the story to the best of her obvious ability. That said, there is an excellent story at the heart of this novel, and in spite of the flaws outlined above I did enjoy it. The reader follows the rootless Claire Fleetwood to London, and then the Indian Sub-Continent, as she searches for a personal history shrouded in the mysteries of an earlier age. Part Michael Crichton, part travelogue; Forbes weaves a remarkable trail of murder, adultery, botany, etc. while delving into the nature of "self", and how our past (and our forebears' past) determines our future. I have enjoyed both of Forbes' books, and I look forward to her future endeavors. However, I think that she will make great strides as a writer when she abandons her tendency of trying to write "literature" and gives free reign to her creativity. In the end, "Fish, Blood and Bone" is a flawed, but nonetheless enjoyable work by a writer whom I firmly believe is on the cusp of greatness.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hidden War: A Russian Journalist's Account of the Soviet War in Afghanistan; Author: Artyom Borovik; Review: The "The Hidden War" is a remarkably powerful work about the physical and mental scars that war can leave. What it is not is a detailed history of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. That's not to say that one can't find lessons for our current situation, but they aren't the ones you might expect. There aren't any clues as to how to fight the Afghans in this book, and the Soviet Army bears essentially no resemblance to our current force structure. They were fighting a war of aggression, were ill led and were provided with almost negligent training. However, "The Hidden War" provides tremendous insight into the Afghan mindset: why they fight (or don't), why their country lies and ruins, and why they have such conflicted feelings towards the West. More than anything this book teaches us what we shouldn't do: We shouldn't try to hold large areas of territory, we shouldn't alienate the average Afghan with our superiority, we shouldn't disrespect their culture, however alien it may be to us. If you're looking for a parallel to this work, I personally found myself time and time again thinking of Michael Herr's "Dispatches". In the same way that he captured the nightmare maelstrom of drugs, violence and disillusionment that was the Vietnam War, so too does Borovik paint a picture of a hopelessly misguided Soviet effort. He leaves no doubt as to the futility of fighting a conflict with no strategy (let alone tactics), no goals, and no support at home. ...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: More What If?: Eminent Historians Imagine What Might Have Been; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Cowley Page; Review: When I first found out that there was going to be a "What If? 2" and that it wasn't going to focus exclusively on military matters, I was very excited. As much as I am a fan of military history, I was very interested to see how historians of other disciplines might predict how our world could be different today. Unfortunately, having finished the book, I am rather disappointed. That's not to say that the quality of the writing, or the turning points are sub-par, they're not. In fact, in terms of composition and selection of historical turning points, this book is actually more original and uniform than its predecessor. That's what makes this book so disappointing: there is great potential, but it never lives up to its self-proclaiming goal of telling the reader "what if?" The background research is solid, and the authors in almost every instance make a cogent, educated case as to why history turned on a given moment or person. Unfortunately, in almost every instance they fail to follow up with any meaningful speculation. In fact, there are very few alternate scenarios that extend for more than a few paragraphs. Considering how successful the first volume was in regards to alternate histories, this volume's lack of them is inexcusable. What else can the reader expect in a series entitled "What If?" than a detailed exploration of how our world could be different today. The only explanation I can think of is that counter-factual history is an immensely useful tool in political-military history, but it is less so (or at least less utilized) in social history. It therefore seems probable that many of the writers in this edition were unsure as to how to weave a different world after having identified their turning point. At any rate, this isn't a terrible book, but it is pretty disappointing. As I have mentioned above, the research and writing are excellent. Furthermore the points of departure for are some of the most unique I've come across in alternate history. Unfortunately, the "what if" scenarios never really pan out, and as a result the book never lives up to its title. This book will get you thinking about some overlooked episodes in history, but it will, for the most part, be up to your imagination to supply the counterfactual.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: After Man: A Zoology of the Future; Author: Visit Amazon's Dougal Dixon Page; Review: "After Man" is one of the most engaging, creative books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. While one might think from its outlandish illustrations that it is a book for children, this is simply not the case. That's not to say a ten or eleven year old wouldn't enjoy this book, but there's plenty an adult can take away from it as well. Beginning with a basic review of the principles of biology and evolution, Dixon proceeds to apply them across a range of environments on an Earth 50 million years removed from mankind. The result is a menagerie of remarkable creatures. Remarkable in that they are frequently unique, even bizarre, but even more remarkable because they represent the result of a familiar creature's evolution. Dixon's world isn't a fantasyland, every creature in it holds true to the principles he so effectively explains in the first chapter. Moreover, they all fill an important ecological niche; he hasn't created 150 pages of carnivores. Rather, he presents a balanced, albeit limited, ecosystem that sheds light on the state of our own environment today. Beautifully illustrated and highly engaging, "After Man" is a must read for anyone interested in evolution and anthropology. Furthermore, this book is educational without being heavy handed. One by no means needs to be an expert to learn from and enjoy this very unique work.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alas, Babylon; Author: Visit Amazon's Pat Frank Page; Review: I have wanted to read "Alas Babylon" for over a year now, and I actually ordered it from Amazon several months ago. For one reason or another, though, it always seemed to get pushed behind another book. Normally, when I enjoy a novel as much as I enjoyed this one, it would annoy me that I put off reading it for so long. However, in light of September 11th, I'm glad that I did, for two reasons. The first is that this novel reminds us of mankind's near infinite capacity for self-destruction, or at least creating the mechanism for it. Osama bin Laden and his fellow psychopaths could only dream of the systematic cruelty the Soviet Union perpetrated on its own citizens, let alone the tightrope nuclear balance of terror that the superpowers walked. However, they are cut from the same cloth, and it is lunacy to try to co-exist with them. Moreover, the rationalization of the irrational, the attempt to explain the unexplainable (for instance how both the US and the USSR created strategies to "win" a nuclear war) can only lead to heartache. Secondly, and most important, "Alas Babylon" reminds us of the indomitable spirit of man. Even as his characters struggle to grasp some normalcy from incomprehensible nuclear destruction, they cling to that which makes them human: hope, love and faith. While some may find it odd to be reading apocalyptic fiction in this time of war, I found this novel to be uplifting, an affirmation really, of the good we have seen around the world in the face of evil. I realize I am going about this backwards, but for those of you not familiar with the plot, it runs as follows. It is sometime in the mid-1960's (a rough guess) and the nuclear balance of terror has broken down. The country is in ruins, the state of the world is unclear, and communities are left to fend for themselves. The readers follows the lives of one small community in Florida for the first year following "The Day" as they struggle to survive and maintain the rule of law. Frank masterfully captures the full scope of the struggle, from almost prophetic descriptions of weapons, tactics and strategy (the novel was published in 1958) to searing characterizations of people in crisis. "Alas Babylon" operates on so many levels, it has something for everyone. One could easily sit down and read it as an adventure/techno-thriller and come away completely satisfied. It is also a rather scathing critique of war and the bureaucratization of the military. It is not as simple as "war is bad" though, Frank argues through one of characters (a retired admiral) that while war, particularly nuclear war is insane, the price of peace is rational preparedness enacted by professionals, combined with a dialogue that humanizes the enemy. Above all, though, "Alas Babylon" is a testimony to the ingenuity and compassion of man. Yes, we have made mistakes, yes there is evil among us, but the majority of human beings are basically good when given the chance, and; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Non Campus Mentis: World History According to College Students; Author: Visit Amazon's Anders Henriksson Page; Review: The premise of this book is rather simple, excerpts of horribly mangled history taken from college students' exam papers and reassembled as a history textbook, but the results are hysterical. I'm a history buff, as I expect most of the people drawn to this book will be, but there were some "facts" that were so badly mangled I couldn't even begin to guess what they were meant to refer to! The errors fell primarily into two categories, the grammatical and the idiotic. An example of the first would be, "Chairman Moo" or "Auto von Bismarck", and these are relatively funny, especially when one considers the context. However, it is the latter category, statements that are so divorced from fact as to be rendered absurd, that make this book painfully funny. Following are some of my favorite examples: *Men during this period were usually about thirty years old and women only twelve or thirteen. *Death rates exceeded one hundred percent in some towns. *Westward expansion ended at Custard's Last Stand and his later defeat at Wounded Knee. *The Pershing Gulf War began when Satan Husane invaded Kiwi and Sandy Arabia. This was an act of premedication. ...and so on. One could probably take this as an indictment of the gross ineptitude of many of our nation's social studies teachers, and the gross indifference of their students, and one would probably be correct in doing so. That's not really what this book is about though, rather, it is about poking fun at the lack of historical grounding of supposedly educated people, with hilarious results. You have to laugh, because otherwise you'll cry, and this book is just too funny not to laugh.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Simpsons : A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family; Author: Groening Matt; Review: "The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family" is a must have for any fan of The Simpsons. It is loaded with episode information, inside jokes, quick gags you might have missed and abundance of quotes. It is great to have handy while watching the show, but it is equally fun to just thumb through; surprisingly, the Simpson family is almost as funny in synopsis format as it is on TV. Furthermore, this isn't just some cheap volume thrown together to make a quick buck. It is printed on high quality paper, in full color, and the stills from the episodes are beautifully rendered (not like the grainy images you frequently see in TV and movie tie-ins). Also, while it may not seem significant, each episode is described using standardized "blocks" (synopsis, Stuff You May Have Missed, etc.) so it is very east to quickly find information about a specific episode. Finally, now that each season is being released on DVD, this book becomes even more useful as it acts as a companion piece to the discs. This book is great fun, high quality, and a must have for any Simpsons-a-holic. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Simpsons Forever! A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family...Continued; Author: Visit Amazon's Matt Groening Page; Review: Like its predecessor, "The Simpsons Forever!" is a must have for any fan of the show. For those of you who don't own that first book, you'll want to pick it up as it is loaded with information on the first eight seasons. For those of you who do own the first book rest assured that you aren't paying for duplicate information, this book only covers seasons nine and ten. "The Simpsons Forever" uses the same grid format as the first book, which makes it very easy to find that favorite quote or missed moment. Likewise, it is an equally high quality item, featuring the same beautiful color and heavy-duty paper. Finally, it has some nice extras at the end, including a tribute to Troy McClure (the late Phil Hartman) and a listing of who does what voice (which has provided some closure to the endless guessing my wife and I subject each other too!). If you are a fan of The Simpsons, you definitely want to pick this up. Whether you read it cover to cover, or just keep it handy when watching the show, it is great fun. Also, as the seasons are released on DVD, it will make for an excellent companion volume to the discs. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Calvin and Hobbes; Author: Visit Amazon's Bill Watterson Page; Review: This beautifully printed and put together collection is the companion to an exhibition of Calvin & Hobbes strips at Ohio State University. While it doesn't comprise any new material, it is a must have for every Calvin & Hobbes fan for a variety of reasons. First, each cartoon is presented with the original, black and white sketch on the left, and the final, colored version on the right. It is genuinely fascinating to see what color can do for a strip, and it was likewise interesting to observe the number of revisions that Watterson made. Secondly, Watterson's introduction and his notes, which accompany many of the strips, offer wonderful insight into what the strips were meant to portray, and the artistic challenges he faced. While this is similar to what he did in the Tenth Anniversary book, it is obvious that he has gained some perspective over the last six years, and his thoughts are rather more contemplative as a result. Finally, this book is a much needed burst of nostalgia for the trying times we live in. While it has only been six years since the last strip, it feels like much longer. There's something about Calvin & Hobbes that just exudes innocence and a simpler life. It was genuinely refreshing to revisit Calvin's world, and I am now greatly looking forward to rereading all of the collections. If you likewise long for the days when you could open up your newspaper and read this strip, you won't be disappointed by this collection.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Air-Mech-Strike: Asymmetric Maneuver Warfare for the 21st Century; Author: David L. Grange; Review: "Air-Mech-Strike:..." is a thorough, and much needed, look at how to restructure our armed forces for the 21st century. Specifically, it recommends the creation of light, air-mobile forces to compliment our heavy (M1/M2) forces. The purpose of this force would be to fill the gap between our heavy forces, which pack a tremendous punch, but have limited deployability, and our light forces that are easily deployed but have limited striking power and maneuverability. This book truly shines when the authors are discussing the creation of this force; they have clearly done their research, and repeatedly make strong cases for the right type of equipment to acquire (or modify). At the heart of their new force structure are modified M-113's (as a medium element) and modified German Wiesel's (as the light element). They delve into detail as to why these systems should be chosen: there is a tremendous experience with these chassis and they are proven systems, they are easily modified for a variety of missions and they are easily maintained. Most importantly, though, they are helicopter deployable/supportable. Thus, they would provide the Army with a potent, sustainable strike package that could be inserted to maximum effect in areas unexpected by the enemy. The authors go on to discuss at great length the structure, organization, implementation and finances of such a force structure. I was particularly pleased that they found a role for the M8 AGS, a victim of ill thought out Clinton era budget cutting. Of particular interest was their detailed discussion of the ability to implement this force with off the shelf components and vehicles. For example, I was very impressed with, and intrigued by, their discussion of how to implement a hard-hitting recon/strike unit using primarily commercial (albeit modified) ATV's. Finally, their discussion of the deployment of WIG (Wing In Ground) transports is highly warranted and long overdue. As the title of my review indicates, however, there were some serious issues with this work. Perhaps most glaring, for a discussion of a helicopter deployable force, very little discussion is given to the role of the AH-64 Apache, and there is absolutely no mention of the RAH-66 Comanche. Considering that these two platforms will be the backbone of the Army offensive air fleet for the foreseeable future, I find this oversight puzzling, to say the least. Along these same lines, at the same time that the authors are advocating smaller, more flexible units, they advocate the pooling of the bulk of Army Air at the Corp level without much in the way of explanation. Finally, the actual physical layout of this book is appalling, almost embarrassing. I cannot imagine how a book so loaded with spelling, formatting, and grammatical errors could have made its way into publication. Moreover, the illustrations are frequently confusing and are often downright laughable (I almost choked when I saw a toy UH-60 used in an illustration). Of course, content is always paramount, but it is difficult to take a book seriously if the authors aren't even willing to take sufficient time to assure that their ideas; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dark Light; Author: Visit Amazon's Ken MacLeod Page; Review: Let me start off this review by saying that I really enjoyed "Cosmonaut Keep" both for the political intrigue typical of Macleod, and because of the fascinating circumstances in which it took place. It is therefore with some regret that I can only give the sequel, "Dark Light", three stars. Don't get me wrong, this wasn't a bad book, and by the standards of most science fiction it was a great book, but it really wasn't up to Macleod's usual high standards. The plot picks up where "Cosmonaut Keep" left off: with the familiar cast of characters traveling to the planet Mingulay. Unfortunately, right off the bat the writing gets awkward. Gregor and Elizabeth, the two main characters from the first novel, have a role in the first twenty pages, and then completely disappear for the next 150. Now, I understand that Macleod is looking for an epic feel, with a large cast of characters, but it really interrupts the flow of the novel when two important characters fall completely off the radar. As the novel continues, we learn of Matt Cairn's quest to solve the mystery behind the origination of the Second Sphere, and later, having received his answer, engaging in political-military intrigue to equip Mingulay to meet its fate. Unfortunately, Macleod's touch isn't as deft as it usually is in this area. The machinations of the characters seem more contrived than meaningful, and I was frequently left wondering why they were even bothering. Motivations in this novel are muddy to say the least. Also, Macleod on several occasions seems to be on the verge of delving into the nature of faith, but then he backs away, leaving interesting, but half formed, ideas on the page. As I stated earlier, "Dark Light" is not a bad novel, and if you enjoyed "Cosmonaut Keep" you will definitely want to read it (if you haven't don't even attempt to start with this book, you'll be lost from the get go). However, it falls short of Macleod's previous writings, and is somewhat disappointing as a result. Still, it is does have some remarkable moments of adventure and imagination, and if you're looking for a quick, smart read, you won't go wrong with "Dark Light".; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Starfish (Rifters Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Peter Watts Page; Review: "Starfish" is an outstanding work of dystopian fiction taking place in the not too distant future. As the demand for energy grows exponentially, mankind turns to the thermal energy from deep-sea vents as a solution. Of course, the ocean floor is the least hospitable environment on Earth, and it takes a special breed to man these remote outposts...literally. People who represent the dregs of society (child abusers, violent criminals, sociopaths) are genetically, psychologically and "mechanically" altered to survive in this harsh climate. However, what no one counts on is what will happen when these same people fulfill their need for danger just by staying alive, and become, if not friends, then certainly allies. Furthermore, no one considers what they might encounter in that ancient habitat, and what it will mean for the rest of the planet. That's about all I can say about the plot without spoiling it, but this is definitely a book you will want to pick up, for several reasons. First of all, the writing is absolutely breathless; Watts has perfectly translated the mind numbing pressure found at the ocean bottom into a palpable sense of tension that permeates the novel. Secondly, his characters are brilliantly conceived and realized. The reader never exactly feels sympathy for them, but they are incredibly complex and evolve in unexpected, but realistic, ways. Finally, although this novel is classified as "science-fiction" that really does it something of a disservice. It's not that there's anything wrong with SF, but this novel is much more; it's about our insatiable demand for convenience, and what it's doing to our planet (both geo-politically and environmentally) and what it is doing to those who get left behind by the pace of change. "Starfish" is a great read and a novel that will leave you thinking. With an engaging plot, excellent characters and relentless pacing, it is a superb first novel. In particular, if you are at all in interested in marine biology, or even biology in general, then this is a must read for you.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maelstrom (Rifters Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Peter Watts Page; Review: First off, if you haven't read Peter Watts' first novel, "Starfish", don't start with "Maelstrom". While this is theoretically a stand-alone novel, the reader unfamiliar with "Starfish" will miss out on a tremendous amount of back-story and character development. ... As for "Maelstrom" itself, Watts has easily cleared the high bar he set with his first novel. All too often, sequels are rehashes of old conflict, but that is not the case here at all. Watts takes his already complex characters from the first novel and adds several more layers of texture; at the same time he adds just enough new characters to keep things interesting. These characters are equally well developed, and overall, Watts' writing is even sharper than in the first book. The writing has to be sharper, because this is a much more complicated novel than the first. While "Starfish" took place in the relatively limited space of a deep ocean outpost, and dealt primarily with human interactions, "Maelstrom" sprawls across the Pacific and North America and a significant portion of the action takes place in cyberspace. Moreover, the plot is significantly more complicated. I don't want to get into it in too much detail, as doing so would ruin much of "Starfish" for those who haven't read it. But the general theme of this novel, like its predecessor, is the impact that the unforeseen consequences of exponentially growing technology can have on humans as a species and on the planet as a whole. In a dystopian setting of environmental havoc and human violence, two new scourges have emerged. One is spawned by nature, the other, inadvertently, by man. The result is a bizarre, but believable synergy that threatens the entire biosphere. It was particularly interesting how Watts explored the nature of consciousness by subtly comparing the burgeoning life of a piece of code with the flawed memories of the main character. By now you may have guessed that there is a lot of science in this novel, and you'd be right. There is a great deal that is cutting edge, and even more that is purely speculative. Watts makes use of some pretty heavy biology and AI science that may intimidate readers at first blush. It would be a mistake to avoid this novel for that reason because the science is just there to set the stage for the story. If you understand the detail of it, it definitely adds many intriguing twists; but if you only understand it at the surface level, you could still easily follow the story. That's the beauty of Watts as a writer: he's pigeon hold as hard-SF, but the SF is just a means to the end of writing incredibly complex, beautiful characters struggling with problems we can easily empathize with. Finally, Watts has included an appendix discussing the key science in some detail, and also provides a bibliography of sources he used. "Maelstrom" is an outstanding novel set in a believable, terrifying future. It was undeniably entertaining and I tore through it at a breathless pace. It also left me thinking; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Years Of Rice And Salt; Author: Visit Amazon's Kim Stanley Robinson Page; Review: First off, if you are looking for a traditional Alternate History in the vein of "Fatherland" or "Resurrection Day" this may not be the book for you. While it is true that this novel takes place in a world in which Europeans (and hence Christianity) were wiped off the face of the earth in the 14th century, the primary focus isn't a simple "what if?" Rather, Robinson uses this altered world to explore the nature of humanity and civilization. Furthermore, since the novel as a whole takes place over hundreds of years, he uses the mechanism of reincarnation to keep his main characters in play. While this may sound a little hokey, Robinson handles it with a deft touch and provides a tenuous, but palpable link between what would otherwise be a series of short stories. It is difficult to describe the plot of the novel because, as I indicated before, there isn't one per se. Rather, Robinson explores three primary themes. The first of these is the nature of individual humanity and belief; by juxtaposing Islamic and Chinese culture against a vanished Europe, he points out that on an individual level, people aren't really different across cultures. We all share the same hopes and fears, and even when our desires are expressed in different ways, they all stem from the same root emotions. This consideration, in turn, leads to his second primary theme: culture. Specifically, is one culture inherently superior to another? There are a great many people who would argue that the death of Europe would have removed tremendous suffering from the world. Robinson argues that this is not the case, since all cultures evolve over time, and since all people are basically the same, war and injustice and suffering would have dogged the planet one way or the other. That's not to say that he thinks history would have unfolded basically unchanged, but it is unrealistic to think that European civilization was more flawed than the alternatives. Compared the European states, Islam and China were equally repressive and totalitarian. Thus, it is only thru trial and error, and the sincere efforts of individuals that progress is made. Which brings us to the third and final theme: hope. Robinson uses the final chapters, which occur after terrible trial and destruction, to discuss the nature and use of history. He points out that we are not bound by history; no matter the sadness and destruction that we (as a culture) leave in our wake, if we eye the future with hope and good intent then there is always the opportunity to improve upon what came before. At the same time, he argues for using history as a guide, both to avoid past mistakes, and to preserve (or restore) that which is good. "The Years of Rice and Salt" is alternate history, but it is also much more. It is a thoughtful consideration of the human condition throughout the ages, and, ultimately, an uplifting message of hope in the character if the individual. It is not always an easy novel to read,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Name Is Red; Author: Visit Amazon's Orhan Pamuk Page; Review: "My Name is Red" would be a fascinating novel in any era, but in this time of profound, and seemingly growing, disconnect between East and West, it is all the more compelling. By using the clash between traditional Islamic art and the budding realism of the Renaissance, Pamuk strives to shed light on the conflicted nature of Islam and traditional societies in general. In using the Ottoman Empire of the late 16th century as his setting, he sets the reader into a place and time where the Western world and the Islamic world were in conflict both intellectually and militarily, much as they are today. This conflict operates on three levels. The first is the most obvious, and drives the story, which is a brilliantly conceived and diabolically executed murder mystery. The reader follows the trail of the murderer through the voices of a host of different characters, including the murderer himself, and some of the artwork he and his fellow artisans have created. As the novel progresses, the reader comes to realize that this murder has occurred because of a conflict between the traditional method of manuscript illumination and the method of using perspective to create lifelike images. What is unclear is whether the murder occurred to protect or overthrow tradition. The reason for this obscurity is that the killer himself seems uncertain as to the correctness of his actions and thus engages in a running internal moral debate. His internal conflict is in many ways a microcosm of the conflict in the era in which he lives. The second conflict is found in the love story that underlies the mystery. As Black, one of the murder victim's nephew, pursues the killer, he is also pursuing his uncle's daughter, Shekure, who he has loved for most of his life. However, she is trapped, both by a tradition that leaves her bound to her husband, who presumably has died in battle, and by her uncertain feelings towards Black. Shekure is perhaps the most remarkable character in the book, as she struggles to make her own path in a society that has little tolerance for the needs or opinions of women. While not the core argument of the book, Pamuk makes a strong argument for how absurd it is to completely disenfranchise half of society for the sole reason that they happen to be female. The final conflict is more subtle, but lies at the heart of the novel's message. It is a consideration of the results of cultures colliding and merging, and what happens when they are either unable or unwilling to adapt. Pamuk seems to suggest that Islam, while an inherently good religion, is far too rigid for its own good. By exploring the torment of artists who must choose between the traditional methods they have preserved for centuries, and the European method that is clearly the future, he parallels the crisis society as a whole faces when it fails to change. His characters feel compelled to make their choices based upon obscure religious dictates that have long since masked the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cabinet of Curiosities (Pendergast, Book 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas Preston Page; Review: Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's seventh novel has been a long time coming, but it was well worth the wait. It represents, without question, their best writing to date. As always, the scene is set with great skill, but now their talent for set piece drama has evolved into excellent characterization and superbly subtle plot development. It would be difficult for me to describe the story without spoiling the plot, but I can safely say that "The Cabinet of Curiosities" is a diabolically twisted thriller. What starts out as a seemingly standard, albeit very creepy, serial killer mystery rapidly develops into something far more bizarre, and vastly more sinister. I read a lot, and it is rare that I am caught completely off guard by plot twists, but with one hundred pages to go I was hit with not one, but two! The authors deftly throw the reader off guard at a key moment, which makes the concluding chapters absolutely breathless. As I alluded to earlier, the writing in this novel is outstanding; "The Cabinet of Curiosities" is much more thoughtful than their earlier novels, and significantly darker. While still showing their roots in the "techno-thriller" genre, Preston and Child have branched out into considerations of love, madness and morality. Whereas their earlier novels certainly told a great story, and contained tragically flawed characters, this novel makes an excellent stab at exploring the heart of darkness in a much more methodical, dare I say, literary, way. Of particular note in this regard is the character of Pendergast. For those readers who are unfamiliar with "Relic" and "Reliquary", he is an FBI agent with remarkably refined tastes, and equally unorthodox methods. The best way I could think to describe him would be if you turned Hannibal Lecter into a good guy (while is in no way insinuating that he was ripped off, which he clearly wasn't). At any rate, he was always an intriguing character, I would even go so far to say that he was the authors' best to date, but he was also somewhat two-dimensional. Mystery is one thing, but it can come at the expense of character development. "In Cabinet of Curiosities", however, Pendergast has been given an enormous depth of personality, and his background has been revealed in such a way that deepens the mystery surrounding him even as it injects him with a sense of pathos. He is now a fully realized, and immensely interesting character that I look forward to encountering again. Ultimately, "The Cabinet of Curiosities" will make a great beach read for the summer, but it is much more than that. It is a well-crafted, very suspenseful and deeply thoughtful novel that should ranks among the best popular fiction of the year, and I recommend it highly. Finally, my praise for this novel should in no way be construed as disparaging to the authors' prior books; I have bought, read, re-read, and enjoyed the all. It is just that in this novel, Preston and Child have taken their writing to a whole new level and; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: India: A History; Author: Visit Amazon's John Keay Page; Review: Before I commence with my review I feel I should state that my knowledge of the history of the Indian sub-continent was limited, at best, prior the reading this book. However, I am well versed in history in general, and I believe that my readings on other topics have provided me with a valuable frame of reference for my review of Keay's "India: A History". Without a doubt, Keay set himself a daunting task; "India" the nation-state is the end result of colonial policy and modern politics and does not in and of itself represent the extent of Indian culture or the breadth of its geography. In effect, Keay undertook a task equivalent to writing a history of pre-European North America in one volume. One item that will stay with me from this work is just how fractured and variegated the Indian Sub-Continent's people are. Unfortunately, even after acknowledging the difficulty of the task he set for himself, I am afraid that the author fell short. It certainly wasn't for lack of effort or detailed historical research. Quite the contrary, in fact; the reader is pummeled page after page with a barrage of dynasties and kingdoms, that to the non-expert seem to blur into one. While politics are undeniably critical to any history, Keay all to often ignored cultural and religious developments while examining political ones in excruciating detail. Of particular note was the scant attention he paid to the evolution of Hinduism. I realize that this is supposed to be a broad overview, but considering the role Hinduism has played in India's development, I feel an examination of it would have been worth a chapter, at least. The one area where I felt Keay got things right was the Indian drive for independence from the British. From about 1850 on, he seems to develop a real passion for the material and injects some vibrancy into what had been a very dry narrative to that point. While some reviewers have complained of a pro-British bias, I found the writing to be very well balanced, and if anything, nominally pro-Indian. Unfortunately, even in the modern era, the writing continues to be uneven. For example, he examines the rise of the Congress Party in great depth, but offers almost no detail on the Indo-Pak wars. Furthermore, after going to great lengths to discuss India the Sub-Continent (as opposed to the country) Keay has almost nothing to say about Pakistan in the post-partition era. In the end, this isn't a terrible history, but it is terribly uneven, and incredibly dry. I definitely took away a greater knowledge of India and a better understanding of its history, but I was left wanting more. Perhaps that's the nature of any one-volume history, but I think it owes more to Keay's dry delivery and under appreciation of the sub-continent's cultures and religions. If you're new to Indian history, this probably isn't a bad place to start, but it is by no means a definitive work.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Last of the Amazons: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Steven Pressfield Page; Review: For those of you who felt that Pressfield's last book "The Tides of War" was a little slow, you'll be pleased to hear that his newest book, "Last of the Amazons" is more on par with "Gates of Fire". While not quite as engaging as that novel, it is packed with every bit as much historical detail and tons of action. While still set in Ancient Greece, "Last of the Amazons" strays slightly from the formula of its predecessors. Whereas in his first two books Pressfield wrote novelizations of actual historical events, in "Last of the Amazons", he explores the semi-mythological era of early Athens. As always, this novel is impeccably researched and laid out in a highly plausible way, but even the author admits that his story is speculative, at best. However, that in no way detracts from what is a great historical/military novel. As anyone who has read his prior novels knows, Pressfield excels in writing the story of the mayhem and brutality of combat. I have not encountered a single other author who can make the sweat, blood and fear of close combat come alive like Pressfield. Furthermore, he has a knack for capturing the language of the time, such that his prose reads like something far older than it actually is. That's not to say he's another Homer, but he does capture the spirit of the epic genre in a highly effective manner. While I didn't empathize with the characters in "Last of the Amazons" as much as I did in "Gates of Fire", they are perhaps even better written. "In Gates of Fire" Pressfield had real historical figures, in a real battle to work with, one that had a tragic and foregone conclusion. As a result, the reader knew the destiny of all the actors, and therefore developed a level of pathos for them that transcended the writing (which was still excellent). In "Last of the Amazons", however, Pressfield is writing about figures that are more rooted in mythology than history, so he had to flesh them out a great deal more, and succeeded admirably. He has created some genuinely tragic and conflicted figures that are incredibly complex. Moreover, he has proven that he can write believable, strong, female characters, which were noticeably (albeit understandably) absent from his first two novels. Finally, since Pressfield was able to stray from, and manipulate, the historical record, this novel has a much stronger message than his prior ones. He makes a powerful statement about redemption, and explores at some length what constitutes civilization and civilized behavior. In conclusion, "Last of the Amazons" is an outstanding read. It has breathtaking battle scenes, but also is very thoughtful. It is a great adventure, but also extremely well written. In short, it is an excellent novel: enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Earth Abides: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's George R. Stewart Page; Review: First off, I should state that this novel was written in the late forties, and thus reflects many of the prevailing attitudes of the time. It is rather sexist, and even vaguely racist (although neither element is malicious, just ignorant) so if you think that may ruin the novel for you, then you probably want to skip it. That said, if you can look at "Earth Abides" in the context in which it was written, you will find a thoughtful, entertaining novel. "Earth Abides" is predicated on a super-virus wiping out the overwhelming majority of the Earth's human population, while leaving the rest of the animal kingdom unaffected (at least directly). The story follows "Ish" as he struggles both to survive, and come to grips with the loss of civilization. Over time, a community of survivors gels around him, and they work to scratch an existence out of the ruins of San Francisco. Stewart takes a rather bleak view of the survivors of the holocaust, not to mention their children. Rather than trying to reestablish "civilization" they slip into a more or less Stone Age existence, supplemented by the leavings of a culture they are completely alienated from, and that is not understood by the children at all. While I understand that Stewart was seeking to comment on what makes up a "civilization", and what the natural human condition is, or should be, I think he introduced an element of wishful thinking into his narrative (strange as that may sound). It is extremely unlikely that things as fundamental as literacy would completely disappear within two generations, and while they might very well fail, I suspect that survivors would at least attempt to maintain electricity, water supplies, etc. Where this novel really shines, and what I found most interesting to read, was Stewart's descriptions of the ecology of a North America largely depopulated of humans. He does a superb job of predicting the fluctuations in various animal populations, and I believe that the long-term balance that he predicts is probably not far from what would actually happen. Ultimately, "Earth Abides" is an entertaining novel that leaves one thinking about how they would react in similar situation. While I don't necessarily agree with the way the novel plays out, I was constantly challenged to come up with an explanation as to why I thought things might be different. In the process, I gained a deeper appreciation for the depth of Stewart's characters, and the challenges he pitted them with. If you enjoy "apocalyptic fiction" this is definitely a book for you, but even if you have not strong feelings for the genre, I suspect you will enjoy the excellent characterizations, thoughtful story and wonderfully realized world.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Earth Abides; Author: Visit Amazon's George R. Stewart Page; Review: First off, I should state that this novel was written in the late forties, and thus reflects many of the prevailing attitudes of the time. It is rather sexist, and even vaguely racist (although neither element is malicious, just ignorant) so if you think that may ruin the novel for you, then you probably want to skip it. That said, if you can look at "Earth Abides" in the context in which it was written, you will find a thoughtful, entertaining novel. "Earth Abides" is predicated on a super-virus wiping out the overwhelming majority of the Earth's human population, while leaving the rest of the animal kingdom unaffected (at least directly). The story follows "Ish" as he struggles both to survive, and come to grips with the loss of civilization. Over time, a community of survivors gels around him, and they work to scratch an existence out of the ruins of San Francisco. Stewart takes a rather bleak view of the survivors of the holocaust, not to mention their children. Rather than trying to reestablish "civilization" they slip into a more or less Stone Age existence, supplemented by the leavings of a culture they are completely alienated from, and that is not understood by the children at all. While I understand that Stewart was seeking to comment on what makes up a "civilization", and what the natural human condition is, or should be, I think he introduced an element of wishful thinking into his narrative (strange as that may sound). It is extremely unlikely that things as fundamental as literacy would completely disappear within two generations, and while they might very well fail, I suspect that survivors would at least attempt to maintain electricity, water supplies, etc. Where this novel really shines, and what I found most interesting to read, was Stewart's descriptions of the ecology of a North America largely depopulated of humans. He does a superb job of predicting the fluctuations in various animal populations, and I believe that the long-term balance that he predicts is probably not far from what would actually happen. Ultimately, "Earth Abides" is an entertaining novel that leaves one thinking about how they would react in similar situation. While I don't necessarily agree with the way the novel plays out, I was constantly challenged to come up with an explanation as to why I thought things might be different. In the process, I gained a deeper appreciation for the depth of Stewart's characters, and the challenges he pitted them with. If you enjoy "apocalyptic fiction" this is definitely a book for you, but even if you have not strong feelings for the genre, I suspect you will enjoy the excellent characterizations, thoughtful story and wonderfully realized world.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Am Legend; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Matheson Page; Review: As the title of this review indicates, this book is not just "I Am Legend". In fact, it only makes up about half of the book, the remainder being made up of what I found to be rather pedestrian short stories. I found this to be rather irksome as there is absolutely no mention anywhere on the book that it contains work other than the title piece. Other than "I Am Legend" I thought the stories were rather weak Bradbury rip-offs and not worth any particular note. That said, the title piece is writing of the highest caliber. "I Am Legend" is the story of the only man who has survived a plague that has turned the remaining population into vampires. Admittedly, that sounds rather uninspired, but what gives the plot its heft is that Matheson approaches vampires from a scientific viewpoint. As the main character struggles to survive, he cuts through the legend surrounding vampires and comes up with a scientific explanation for them. At the same time, he is forced to struggle with his own loneliness and the encroaching madness that it inspires. He is not altogether sympathetic, but through him Matheson explores the crushing hopelessness that those who are alone feel. Rather than trying to make a sympathetic vampire, he turns his main character, a normal human, into the freak, the outcast, and explores how reacts. In addition to the interesting psychological elements, there are some intriguing Cold War overtones within the novel. Matheson's vampires seem to have elements from Soviet Russia: they are brutal and coarse, but not necessarily evil, just different. Matheson seems to be arguing that the root of the Cold War (the brutality of the Soviet system acknowledged and aside) doesn't stem from competing ambitions but from inherently conflicted world views. That's not entirely true, but when one considers that "I Am Legend" was written in the 1950's that view seems oddly dead on. "I Am Legend" is a superb, albeit unconventional, vampire novel. It is also an intriguing work of apocalyptic fiction. Above all though, it is an examination of the nature of being different, and the fragility of the human psyche.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Scar; Author: China Mieville; Review: In "The Scar" China Mieville has proven that "Perdido Street Station" was no fluke, he is a force to be reckoned with in the literary world. Once again he returns to the world of Bas Lag, although this time he journeys outside the confines of the city of New Crobuzon. In fact, his characters travel the length and breadth of Bas Lag, as they are the occupants (willing and unwilling) of the floating pirate city, Armada. It would be nearly impossible to recount the plot here, both because of its complexity, and the risk of spoiling it. However, there are a few general points that I think bear mentioning. First, while this is not a sequel to "Perdido Street Station" it does reference events in that book; there are no common characters, but the protagonist, Bellis Coldwine, is fleeing the city as a direct result of the happenings in the prior novel. While one could easily read "The Scar" without any knowledge of "Perdido Street Station" I would still recommend reading it first, as your appreciation of "The Scar" will be greatly enriched as a result. Second, "The Scar" is a darker, more ambiguous novel than its predecessor (which was by no means cheery to begin with). It is not an easy beach read for the summer; while it is immensely entertaining, it is also monstrously complex and intensely thoughtful. This is really a novel that needs to be read without distractions and with a great deal of thought as to what is going on. There are a lot of subtle themes and messages in this book, and it needs to be approached in a manner more befitting "literature" rather than your average "sci-fi" (I use quotes because SF can obviously be literature, I'm just speaking in stereotypical terms). Which brings me to the writing; anyone who read "Perdido Street Station" would have to agree that Mieville is a master of his craft. There are few writers today who have the same grasp of the English language; Mieville absolutely revels in the descriptive abilities of the written word. I would read an atlas if Mieville wrote it just to see how he described the landforms contained therein. He is also intensely interested in exploring human nature across its entire spectrum. From compassion to cruelty, Mieville is fascinated by our motivations. If one reads an interview with him, it becomes obvious that Mieville wouldn't mind being cast as the anti-Tolkien. While giving a nod to Tolkien's creation of an entire world down to the smallest details, Mieville revels in his characters' moral ambiguity and indecision, as opposed to Tolkien's characters who always know where they stand. Furthermore, while Tolkien used his races to highlight different ideals, Mieville uses his vast panoply of creatures to highlight the absurdities of racism and the nature of "humanity". Finally, Mieville is a master of the metaphor. I can say, without, giving anything away, that the Scar, of the book's title, is an actual place, but also a recurring theme throughout the novel. All of the characters (which; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Canticle for Leibowitz; Author: Visit Amazon's Walter M. Miller Jr. Page; Review: "A Canticle For Leibowitz" represents not only the best of the "apocalyptic fiction" genre, but it is also one of the most unique, for two reasons. First, the story takes place in three unique segments over the span of about 1800 years. The first section corresponds roughly to the early Dark Ages, the second to the Renaissance (with the benefit of 20th century technology as an example) and the third to what we might expect of the 2200's barring self-annihilation. What links these otherwise disparate periods is the second unique feature of the book: the use of a Catholic monastery as the setting for the bulk of the novel. In much the same way that monasteries preserved classical thinking through the Dark Ages, so to does the Albertian Order of Leibowitz preserve 20th century learning, often to their dismay. This use of religion may strike some as odd, even sacrilegious, but it is a surprisingly effective vehicle for Miller's consideration of the morality of mankind. His purpose is to consider whether humanity's pursuit of knowledge comes at the cost of our happiness and our very souls. Only the backdrop of an institution as long lived as the Church would prove suitable for such an endeavor. Furthermore, while it's only fair to admit that I am Catholic, I don't believe that you need be religious, or even believe in God to appreciate this novel. Miller's arguments are more moral than religious; the monastery just provides a vehicle for his discussion. As for the story itself, it is absolutely fascinating, all "big picture" elements aside. One might think that a story told over such a great span of time would be disjointed, but that is not the case at all. Miller creates a fascinating picture of a world clawing its way out of the horror of nuclear holocaust. In the first section, the world has reverted to ignorance as the survivors of the war (the "Flame Deluge") have turned their backs on science and literacy in revulsion at what "progress" wrought. Only Saint Leibowitz, a former nuclear scientist, and his followers struggle to preserve learning. In the second section, mankind has begun its rebirth, and looks to the "Memorabilia" as a touchstone to progress. Finally, in the third section, mankind has once again placed itself above nature and is prepared to reap the horrors it has created. Yet even at this bleakest point of global dj vu, Miller sees hope. Technology is not inherently evil, in fact it's neutral, and while it does give us the power to destroy ourselves, it also gives us the ability to save ourselves and try to avoid the mistakes of the past. Hopefully, it will even grant us the ability to break the vicious cycle of man's fall from grace. Throughout the novel, actions in one era echo through the others, such that seemingly insignificant events take on great importance in later chapters. Often funny or ironic, and frequently sad, this resonance is Miller's way of trying to show there is hope in the lessons of the past,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Bloodmoney; Author: Visit Amazon's Philip K. Dick Page; Review: "Dr. Bloodmoney" represents Philip K. Dick's stab at the apocalyptic fiction genre. As usual, he enjoys success, and as usual he does so in his own unique way. Whereas most authors are interested in how the survivors carry on (the day to day grind), Dick is more interested in what a society would look like where everyone has been brought low, and what the impact of genetic mutation would be in such a society. Over the course of the novel, Dick makes some compelling points about racism, by pointing out that survival skills aren't based upon appearance, and not even on physical ability. Unfortunately, I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that "Dr. Bloodmoney" didn't successfully carry a theme throughout the novel, and that it was somewhat disjointed. Nonetheless, it is a fascinating read, and Dick on his worst day is better than most authors on their best. Of particular note was Dr. Bluthgeld, the protagonist of the book's title. A nuclear physicist, he has become so perverted by the nuclear power he once wielded that he has mistaken god-like powers with actually being a god. Needless to say, he descends into madness and as a result his neighbors learn a lesson about real power, and the packages it comes in. Also interesting was Dick's description of a post-nuclear holocaust world. He populates it with a host of genetic freaks, both animal and human. All are profoundly changed, and yet familiar enough to be deeply disturbing. At the same time he throws in little details that lend his creation great depth: horse drawn cars, a cigarette factory, a stranded astronaut acting as the world's last remaining D.J. None offers the big picture view of an "Earth Abides" or "Alas Babylon" but they are small details that hint at big things, and engage the imagination in a unique way. Ultimately, "Dr. Bloodmoney" hints at some intriguing ideas, but never follows all the way through on them. Nonetheless, it is an engaging read with unique characters trying to survive in a bizarre, yet recognizable setting. Dick offers a stern warning against the folly of nuclear war from a unique angle. Instead of railing against the weapons, he points out the deep psychological damage that a person could incur by having such power at their fingertips. As always, he tells an interesting story from an unexpected point of view. While not on par with "The Man in the High Castle", it is nonetheless an excellent representation of his work that can be enjoyed by newcomers and die-hard fans alike.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twelve Days of Terror: A definitive Investigation of the 1916 New Jersey Shark Attacks; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard G Fernicola Page; Review: "In Twelve Days Of Terror" Richard Fernicola presents the reader with a comprehensive history of the New Jersey Shark Attacks of 1916. In the process, he paints a fascinating portrait of an era that exists solely as collective nostalgia for many of us today. The attacks are presented within the context of the era, so the reader is brought back to a time before television, when newspapers fought to outdo each other with spectacular headlines and our own shores were more of a mystery than the depths of Africa. In telling the story of the attacks, Fernicola uses an informal, almost conversational style that is frequently in the first person. While this would be anathema in most history, it is highly effective in this instance. Given that his topic is not widely remembered, and that what is remembered has devolved into pseudo-mythology, this casual style captures the "novel-esque" feel of the story, while presenting the hard facts. Of particular interest was how he set the stage for the attacks: war was raging in Europe, there was a polio epidemic in New York City, submarines were cruising the coast, and the Jersey Shore was a last bastion of elegance and innocence that was about to be shattered. By presenting history in this manner, he creates a big picture view of not only the attacks themselves, but also what they did to the psyche of the nation. All style and setting aside, however, Fernicola is a medical doctor and scientist who systematically presents the fruits of his substantial research and interviews with witnesses and experts. Each attack is examined in detail: the attack patterns, the nature of the injuries (which are quite gruesome, be warned), treatments offered, etc. Then, after providing the reader with a thorough portrait of the attacks, both individually and as a whole, he builds a case for the species which he thinks committed the attacks, and whether or not it was one or several sharks. While he makes a compelling argument for that a white shark committed the attacks, in the finest tradition of research he both presents, and discusses in detail, competing theories. I have only two small complaints about this book. The first is perhaps inevitable given the informal writing style, but it bothered me nonetheless. Fernicola frequently will meander off topic as he recounts interesting historical tidbits, only to abruptly return to the topic at hand. The effect can be jarring and there were several passages that I had to reread in order to pick up the flow of the narrative again. The second complaint is that he refers to shark attacks as "vicious" at least fifty times over the course of the work. I find this troubling since "vicious" implies a malicious premeditation that a shark is obviously incapable of. The complaint isn't just semantics either, given the already terrible reputation that sharks enjoy among most people. Ultimately though, those are minor complaints about an otherwise fascinating book. Fernicola has written a history that is as informative as it is easy to read. In particular, this; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Riddley Walker, Expanded Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Russell Hoban Page; Review: "Riddley Walker" is undeniably one of the most unique novels I have ever come across. All plotting aside, the bizarre (yet understandable) pidgin English that it is written in sets it apart from almost every other work of fiction I have come across. The only thing that comes close is the slang in "A Clockwork Orange", but even that mishmash is normal when compared to Hoban's English. That said, Hoban's creation is fairly logical, and is easily followed with a little bit of thought. It would be easy to overlook the quality of the narrative of this novel because of the uniqueness of its presentation, but there is much more to "Riddley Walker" than that. It is the tale of a humanity reduced to Dark Age misery by a nuclear war, but what makes it different from other apocalyptic fiction is the historical remoteness of the holocaust. It happened so long ago, and was so total that its causes have descended into mythology. At the same time, technology has become confused with religion, and while mankind yearns for better days, he's not sure what they might be. Hoban paints a fascinating portrait of humans struggling to come to grips with their place in the world. Particularly poignant is the image his characters have of dogs, which have at this point have gone almost completely feral, and yet still exhibit a faint longing for their old masters. The humans see in the dogs an emblem of their fall from grace, and in the dogs' ferocity, a tacit reminder of something lost, although, again, they aren't sure what that might be. Perhaps the most intriguing element of the novel, however, is fragments of history that have been reassembled into a moral imperative for the power elite (such as they are). To the reader, the concepts seem ridiculous, but in them Hoban makes a powerful statement about the need to believe in something bigger than ourselves. Just think about how we struggle to come to grips with the past today; a history which is documented with relative thoroughness and which spans fairly well delineated arcs. Now imagine trying to process that same history after an apocalypse of unimaginable scope, and you will have some appreciation of what Hoban explores in "Riddley Walker". This is a novel that can be read fairly quickly, and enjoyed simply as a rather unique work of post-apocalyptic fiction. However, if you take your time with it, and really think through what the language and the characters' motivations, I suspect you will be surprised at the tremendous depth this work possesses. I was astonished at how much it made me think about my own worldviews and how much context is critical to their meaning. "Riddley Walker" is definitely a literary highlight of the genre, and a novel that is not to be missed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael B. Oren Page; Review: In "Six Days of War" Michael Oren has written perhaps the definitive history of one of the key pivot points of the twentieth century. Drawing upon a wealth of first hand sources (including documents from the U.S., U.S.S.R., Israel, Egypt and Jordan) he writes a history that is at the same time thorough and vibrant. Where many historical accounts stumble is the failure to accurately represent irrational and spur of the moment decision-making. That is a complaint that is happily absent in this account, as Oren writes with the urgency of "Black Hawk Down" and the comprehensiveness of a Keegan or Tuchman. The subtitle ("June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East") actually does this book something of a disservice, because 169 of its 327 pages are devoted to explaining the origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict. From its roots in early 20th century Zionism, to the unbearably tense days of the spring of '67, Oren paints a fascinating portrait of the clash of cultures, wills and nations. It bears mentioning here that I found Oren's narrative to be generally very even handed; there are other reviewers who have argued that he is an apologist for Israel, who ignores Arab grievances. Nothing could be further from the truth; on the contrary, it is the frequently and vocally stated ambition of the Arab states to push Israel into the sea that mandates the view of Israel as the victim. Which brings us to one of the great tragedies of this war: the near mind-boggling stupidity of the Arab leaders. Oren discusses in great deal these men, Hussein (to a lesser degree than the others), Nasser, Atef, Assad, etc., who were so concerned with their own political power that they were willing to sacrifice their young men in ill conceived operations that only succeeded in ensuring another generation of bitterness, regret and violence. Their incompetence would be comical if it wasn't so sad; at one point Oren discusses how the Egyptians, who are in full retreat and have been basically obliterated, assure the Syrians that they are marching on Jerusalem. The Syrians, not to be upstaged, respond that they are in route to Tel Aviv; this in spite of the fact that they had sat out the war to that point, and that the escalation only ensured the loss of the Golan to Israel. Which brings us to the next point of tragic-comedy, the U.N. While the game of high stakes poker between the U.S., the Soviets, the Israeli's and the Arab powers makes for fascinating reading, the reader can't help but see the missed opportunities. In particular, U Thant, the Secretary General, comes across as a buffoon who is utterly lacking in both vision and ability. At one point, during the peak of escalations prior to the war, he delays a trip to Egypt by three days so that his horoscope will be favorable for travel. At the same time, many valid proposals from Latin America and other non-aligned nations fall to great power politics, Israeli maneuvering and Arab pride. As for; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: This Is the Way the World Ends; Author: Visit Amazon's James Morrow Page; Review: Sandwiched between vignettes of Nostradamus, "This is the Way the World Ends" is the tale of George Paxton, and the five other remaining humans on Earth. Unfortunately for George, he and the others are being tried for war crimes stemming from the nuclear destruction of the planet by the "unadmitted"; basically unborn generations that have willed themselves into existence for a brief time in order to inquire why their potential will never be realized. Compounding George's dilemma is the fact that unlike his fellow defendants, who are all wizards of nuclear strategy, George is just a simple everyman (with the ironic profession of tomb stone carver) whose only "guilt" was in not carefully reading a sales contract for a free nuclear survival suit for his daughter. As one can tell from this brief synopsis of the plot, this is not your ordinary work of post-apocalyptic fiction. Or rather, it covers the same ground, but from a completely different angle. The Nostradamus bookends offer an air of inevitability to the narrative, and introduce a major plot device, and Morrow's description of a nuclear war's aftermath is highly engaging. Where this novel really shines, however, is in the trial. One might expect Morrow to be a staunch proponent of disarmament given the theme of his book, but that assumption is not entirely true. Through the mechanism of the trial, he rails against both the naivet of the doves, and the hawks' disconnect from reality. As another reviewer so eloquently stated, he demolishes the generally accepted duality of nuclear politics, and demands the reader consider a third path of their own making. That's where George comes in; his real guilt is not in his action, but in his inaction. While much of "This is the Way the World Ends" is written in the language of 1980's Cold War rhetoric, and the threat of a massive nuclear exchange has, if not passed, certainly lessened immensely, the novel still offers great insight. First of all, Morrow's discussion of deterrence versus disarmament is fascinating; in fact (and I say this with the benefit of a degree in the subject) they would be more than adequate points of departure for any undergraduate course in international security. Particularly fascinating are his statements within ten pages that (paraphrased) 1. You can't have deterrence without strength and 2. Strength leads to escalation leads to instability. Morrow doesn't offer any answers, but he does frame some fascinating questions. Around those questions he has built a novel of intense emotion and beautiful characters; the last time a book's ending moved me so intensely was another classic of the genre, "On the Beach". And while I wouldn't place it in quite the same league as Nevil Shute's masterwork, it is nonetheless a remarkable book that is eminently worth reading. Enjoy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Nation Challenged: A Visual History of 9/11 and Its Aftermath; Author: Nancy Lee; Review: There's no denying that the photography in this book is spectacular, and as one would expect from a NY Times book, the writing is superb. Unfortunately, "A Nation Challenged" doesn't completely live up to expectations. There are two main reasons for that. First, the coverage of 9/11 is overwhelmingly skewed towards the events at the World Trade Center. While there is no denying that New York City has come to represent the epicenter of that horrible day, there were equally horrific tragedies taking place on a smaller scale in Washington D.C. and over Pennsylvania. I would have expected that an institution as reputable as the New York Times would have taken a more balanced approach in their reporting. My second complaint is that the final forty pages, or so, are devoted exclusively to portraits of the Afghan people. In and of itself, that's fine, but given the book's title, I would have expected more American viewpoints, whether firemen, policemen, or members of the armed services. I fail to see what is gleaned about the American condition of the last year from interviews with Afghanis. Those thoughts aside, though, this is an incredible collection of photographs and writing that is well worth owning. One thing about 9/11 is that it was a beautiful sunny day, and the photographs in this volume would be stunning if they weren't so horrific. Interspersed with reproductions of Times' front pages and writing from those pages, are astonishing photographs (many of which I had never seen before) that capture that day and the following weeks in all their horror. ***WARNING, some of the pictures are very graphic, if you aren't prepared for the emotional impact of revisiting 9/11, you would do well to pass on this book. However, if you are prepared to turn your thoughts to that day when everything changed, this is the book to start with. "A Nation Challenged" represents an excellent record, both visually and in writing, of 9/11. While there are already many books about that day available, and there will undoubtedly be hundreds more, I suspect that very few will be of the same quality as this volume. The reason for this is the weird dichotomy of a paper with global resources having the biggest event of the last fifty years take place in its backyard. While I do have some complaints with the distribution of the coverage, there is no debating the superb quality of the reporting and photography, or the immense integrity of the Times editorial board. This is not an easy book to look at, but it is a remarkable history of a day when, "history splits, and we define the world as `before' and `after.'"; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Stand; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: Before I get to the meat of my review, I feel I should provide a little bit of perspective. First, I am not a die-hard Stephen King fan. In fact, aside from "The Stand", I have only read collections of his short stories, so I can assure you my review isn't the rabid defense of an overly loyal admirer. Second, I am not a fan of horror and I wouldn't classify "The Stand" as such. Finally, I am a big fan of the "apocalyptic fiction" genre, and I believe I have a pretty good basis for my evaluation of this novel. That said, "The Stand" is an incredible novel; perhaps one of the best I have ever read, by any author or in any genre. The story is predicated on the accidental release of a "super-flu" that wipes out 99% of the humans on the planet. The survivors find themselves drawn into a battle between good and evil that will determine the future of the entire planet. As one might expect, a novel with such an ambitious plot and of such prodigious length touches upon numerous themes. In order to simplify my review, I am going to break down the novel's strengths into the following categories, and then consider them one at a time: world-building, plot, characters and themes. First is world-building. In most apocalyptic fiction, one (if not both) of two things will be true: 1. The characters stay in one place or 2. The action picks up after the disaster. An example of the first is "Earth Abides" and of the latter "On the Beach". There's nothing wrong with either plot device, but in "The Stand" King injects a remarkable level of detail into his novel by covering the super-flu from start to finish. The novel starts at the very beginning of the outbreak, and many key plot lines are developed before the epidemic ever rears its head. King charts the breakdown and eventual destruction of civilization, and then offers a short, but remarkable, picture of the survivors in the immediate days after the flu has run its course. He makes the subtle observation that many survivors would die in a second wave of suicides, accidents and depression that would weed out many of those unequipped for an empty world. Finally, as the story progresses, King makes remarkable (but not overbearing) predictions about how nature would reshape the U.S. in the absence of man. Second to consider is the plot. As I alluded to earlier, King has used the emptied United States as a battleground between good and evil. Soon after the flu has run its course, the survivors begin having dreams about an old woman (Mother Abigail) who seems to be marshalling the forces of good, and a malign presence (Randall Flagg) who is gathering those who would serve him and his ends. Insofar as the reader knows, the choice is clear-cut, irrevocable and mandatory. It is very much a "are you with us or against us" type of situation. That said, much of the book is devoted to; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cicero's Somnium Scipionis: The Dream of Scipio; Author: Cicero; Review: In "An Instance of the Fingerpost" Iain Pears proved himself to be an author of tremendous originality and skill, taking what might have been a relatively mundane murder mystery and turning it into a literary study of perception. In "The Dream of Scipio" he has gone one step further and written a novel that spreads perspective over 1500 years, and whose primary plot point is an idea. Obviously, this is not the conventional way to write a novel, and in the hands of someone less skilled it would be a disaster. However, Pears able hands have produced a work bursting at the seams with ideas. It would be difficult to offer a plot summary in the traditional sense, but I am going to attempt to summarize the themes and settings of the book. I would like to apologize in advance if I seem vague, but it would be difficult to discuss the plot in any detail without ruining the book. As I alluded to earlier, just as "An Instance of the Fingerpost" considered a central plot point from four perspectives, so to does "The Dream of Scipio" from three. The difference is that the first examined something vary tactile (a murder) from four contemporary viewpoints, but in this instance the characters are considering a manuscript (or more accurately, a philosophy) and are separated by 1500 years. What links these otherwise temporally diverse men are the times and place in which they live and the women they love. Each is living during the shattering of civilization: Manlius during the winter of the Roman Empire, Olivier during the plague, and Julien during World War II. Moreover, they all live in France, in Provence, and almost the entirety of the novel takes place in the vicinity of Avignon. As such, there are historical echoes that resonate down through the ages. Perhaps the most startling of these echoes are the women they love. Each is an outcast in her own way, and all of them have their fates wrapped up with those of the Jews, who were horribly persecuted in each time period. Pears hints at reincarnation for these three couples, but that might be too obvious a turn of phrase. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that they are linked by their knowledge of those who came before, and are striving to overcome the failures of the past and preserve civilization for another day. It would seem that Pears sees civilization as a spiral ascending upwards. At certain points on the spiral we will revisit the errors of the past, and even as mankind's advancement has provided the tools for increasing horror exponentially, it has also given us the lessons to try to prevent it. We won't always succeed, and frequently the solution will actually set civilization back more than the problem, but the attempt can be (although isn't always) valuable in and off itself. That's "A Dream of Scipio" in a nutshell. It is obviously not a "conventional" novel, and if your looking for something light and easy, this is one you'll; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Birdman: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Mo Hayder Page; Review: "Birdman" by Mo Hayder is one of the rare suspense novels published today that is willing to be something more than completely formulaic. While not perfect, Hayder has created a novel that is suspenseful, disturbing, original and entertaining. Her characters are complex and interesting, and she displays a gift for setting the mood. The action takes place in London during the summer of 1999; five bodies have been discovered at a construction site, each one containing a horrifying surprise. The reader follows Detective Inspector Caffery as he struggles to catch up with the killer, even as more bodies appear. As he draws closer, a surprising plot twist with 100 pages to go only adds to the suspense. It is Caffery's character that really makes this novel. He is haunted by the disappearance of his brother when they were both children, and, as a result, he struggles with relationships and has a dark edge to his personality. As he races against the clock to find the killer, he struggles with his own inner demons, and comes across as much less squeaky clean than your typical suspense hero. Then there are the crimes themselves; in a genre that has seen just about everything, Hayder managed to stake out a truly original (and gruesome) M.O. Along those lines, if you have a weak stomach, you'll probably want to skip this novel. The violence isn't gratuitous, but it is graphic. Ultimately, this is an entertaining read, with above average writing and some genuine thrills. The fact that it takes place in England also adds a twist for American readers, as firearms are nowhere to be found. Moreover, the descriptions of police procedure are detailed enough to be interesting without being overbearing. If you're looking for a fun novel for the weekend, you would do well to pick up "Birdman". Enjoy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Halloween; Author: Visit Amazon's Jerry Seinfeld Page; Review: "Halloween" is a visual representation of Jerry Seinfeld's classic riff on the holiday. While this book doesn't really add to the monologue, it is a superb visual representation of it. The humor is typically dry, but it is also so earnest, and common, that one can't help but laugh. Who among us hasn't been brutalized by the smothering, plastic Halloween mask with the stupid elastic that keeps breaking? And the illustrations are just a riot; they are colorful, clever and perfectly illustrate the writing. I would have to agree with some of the other reviewers that this isn't a book for children. Not because there is anything wrong with the language or themes, but because it too accurately portrays a child's point of view. A kid would read this and think, "Yeah, so?" because Seinfeld so perfectly represents their experience that they wouldn't appreciate the irony. As an adult, however, I have been revisiting my own Halloween conquests and catastrophes all day thanks to this wonderful book. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Number9Dream; Author: Visit Amazon's David Mitchell Page; Review: In "Ghostwritten" David Mitchell produced a novel that was stylish, engaging, and above all, clever. He created a fascinating portrait of the chance meetings that drive us on to our destinies; a task that in less gifted hands would be burdensome, but that was elegant and light in Mitchell's. Unfortunately, "Number9Dream" doesn't quite live up to the high benchmark he set with his first novel. The book's primary problem is that Mitchell was far too clever for his own good. As the reader follows the protagonist, Eiji Miyake, on his search for this father, and his place in the world, they are buffeted by numerous asides, dreams, stories, fantasies, etc. Any one of these is extremely well written, but taken as a whole they make for a disjointed reading experience. Their purpose is to explore the interactions Mitchell considered so deftly in "Ghostwritten" but as they pertain to just one individual. However, the end result is a chaotic mishmash that is frequently entertaining, and always well written, but rarely satisfying. That said, I wouldn't necessarily recommend against reading "Number9Dream", for one thing a sub par effort for David Mitchell is better than 90% of what's on the market today. Moreover, he makes some really interesting points about the nature of society and his ending (which I am sure many found abrupt) is a fascinating point about the fleeting nature of contentment, ambition and desire. In the end, David Mitchell should be complimented for writing a novel that challenges the definitions of plotting and characterization. While the attempt falls somewhat short, it is still a noteworthy sophomore effort. If you don't mind a novel that makes you work a little, "Number9Dream" is an interesting effort from a young writer who is just hitting his stride.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Comrades: "Brothers, Fathers, Sons, Pals"; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen E. Ambrose Page; Review: "Band of Brothers" is not good history; it's lacking in objectivity, it's highly anecdotal, it doesn't have any maps, and its scope is highly limited. However, it is all of these factors that make it such a wonderful portrait of men in combat. Ambrose wasn't setting out to write a history of the European Theater of Operations, he wasn't even trying to write a history of the 101st Airborne. Rather, he was trying to capture something of the uncommon courage show by these otherwise common men in this face of astonishing trials. Ambrose picks up the story of Easy Company as they work their way through training, and follows it all the way through to the end of the war. In between, through an enormous volume of first hand interviews, he paints a harrowing picture of the men of Easy as they slog through Europe. It's not always pretty; Ambrose doesn't pull any punches, particularly when it comes to inept leadership (and he names names), and he doesn't take any pains to hide the drinking and gambling. The result, though, is an intimate view of men who have been thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and are just struggling to get by. Because of the book's limited scope, Ambrose was able to capture the chaos of combat quite effectively. The big picture is rarely elaborated upon, and the reader is presented with Easy Company, time and again, hanging on to survive, and then taking the fight to the enemy. One can't help but feel that this approach more than adequately captures the sense of isolation that men in infantry combat must feel. If you are looking for a comprehensive history of airborne operations in World War II this is not the book for you. But if you are seeking a deeper understanding of why these men were able to face extraordinary odds and win, of what made them brothers in the truest sense of the word, then you would do well to pick up this book. By turns funny and sad, unbearably tense and lighthearted, "Band of Brothers" is a remarkable look at what combat can do to men, and how they can make something good out of something awful.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Something Wicked This Way Comes; Author: Visit Amazon's Ray Bradbury Page; Review: Out of all of Ray Bradbury's prodigious gifts, perhaps none is greater than his ability to capture the true essence of childhood in a timeless manner. While his most prolific period is now four decades past, Bradbury's descriptions of the hopes and fears of childhood still strike a powerful chord; in particular, he is able to capture the fears of childhood from an adult's perspective, without in any way minimizing them. In "Something Wicked This Way Comes" the reader is treated the pinnacle of Bradbury's writings on childhood. In it, he explores the most fundamental desire, and conversely, the most fundamental fear of childhood: growing older. Who among us wouldn't have leapt at the opportunity to be "grown up" at the snap of our fingers, but what about the consequences? Here, Bradbury uses the metaphor of a carnival that preys upon the fears of growing older, quite literally, in order to sustain itself. The two main characters, Will in Jim, are fourteen, and in that awkward time that is not quite adulthood but not quite childhood either. They are torn between the desire to plunge into adult life, even as they cling to the safety of childhood. In this regard they are no different from any other child, the difference is that the carnival, and it's mysterious merry-go-round make it possible for them to do something about this situation. Juxtaposing their dilemma is Will's father, who married and had Will relatively late and life, and feels his age all the more as a result of his young son. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is a clever, spooky story, perfect for Halloween time. Bradbury is a master of descriptive writing, and no one sets a mood better than he does. More than that, tough, this is a novel about coming of age, about the value of youth, but also about appreciating where you are and what you have achieved. It is heartfelt and sincere in an age where far too many novels use cynicism as a mask for a lack of ideas. For that reason alone, this is a novel that is well worth reading. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Almost America: From the Colonists to Clinton: a "What If" History of the U.S.; Author: Steve Tally; Review: "Almost America" by Steve Tally is an excellent idea: take the recent craze in alternate history, and apply it to familiar (and unfamiliar) events from American history. In part, it is a success; Tally has identified many notable potential turning points, from areas of the American experience. Rather than focusing solely on military or political what-ifs, he considers sports, entertainment and business as well. In fact, I would go so far as to say that Tally has identified some of the most genuinely fascinating potential alternate histories I have ever encountered in the genre. In particular, his discussions of the battle for Fort Sackville, Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle", and IBM's relationship with Microsoft, are both original and no less important for being somewhat obscure. Unfortunately, this is where Tally stumbles. While his training as a historian allowed him to select and intelligently discuss a variety of events, his alternate histories are sorely lacking in creativity and consequence. More often than not, Tally writes a history that is almost completely convergent with actual history, which undermines the significance of his selection. Moreover, for someone who has a firm foundation in history, he posits some extremely unlikely events. For example, in his alternate history where Bastogne fell to the Germans, he has them pressing the attack all the way to Antwerp on the supply of 4 million gallons of gas captured in Spa. Even if the Americans had been utterly routed, it would have been a simple and certain procedure to destroy those stocks, which is precisely why the German offensive was doomed from the get go. Finally, there are frequent, blatant typos that distract from both the flow and the credibility of the book. One in particular that jumped off the page was that the U2 looked down on the Soviet Union from "seventy thousand miles up"! If that was the case, it is even more impressive that the Soviets were able to shoot it down, as it was one-third of the way to the moon. In the end, Tally has done an admirable job of illuminating some forgotten, or unappreciated, episodes in American history, and for that reason alone, "Almost America" makes for interesting reading. Unfortunately, his alternate histories are more often than not, clunky and uninteresting. If he were to partner with a novelist, I think there is some great potential to be found in this book, but as things stand now, it is only a half realized project.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Simpsons Beyond Forever!: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family...Still Continued; Author: Visit Amazon's Matt Groening Page; Review: It's hard to say more about this book than I have about the prior two, but to summarize: if you are a Simpsons fan, you need "The Simpsons Beyond Forever", and its predecessors, "The Simpsons Forever" and "The Simpsons Forever Cont'd". Like the other two, the current edition follows the same format: each episode is reviewed in detail, and there are pages for such miscellaneous items as when Homer says "D'oh!", songs, etc. For each episode, the reader is treated to a plot summary, stills from the episode, what the couch and chalkboard gags are, and "Stuff you might have missed". The last item is particularly enjoyable, because there is always so much going on in any given episode, it is almost impossible to keep up with it all. In particular, there are many pop culture and movie tributes that are clarified. I'll always love The Simpsons, but these books take watching the show to a whole new level, whether it's figuring out that voice cameo that's driving you nuts, or catching a joke that came and went too fast. Moreover, these books are just fun to look at, they are brightly colored, creatively arranged, and printed with the highest quality. This is a must have for any Simpsons fan!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PREY.; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael. Crichton Page; Review: Just as "Jurassic Park" was a cautionary tale for the dangers of tampering with the genetic code, so to is "Prey" a warning. This time, Michael Crichton has chosen to explore the potential and hazards of nanotechnology; the fashioning of robots at the molecular level. The power of these machines is that they are small enough to go anywhere, and their capabilities are limited only by human creativity. However, since they are so small, they need to be able to apply adaptive learning in order to accomplish their assigned tasks, and that's where the trouble starts. The novel begins with Jack Forman, stay at home dad, and long time, but currently unemployed software engineer, shopping for placemats. This touch of normalcy sets up an environment where Crichton can rapidly ratchet up the tension, as an all-American home life turns distinctly scary. Moreover, Crichton has written the book in the first person, so the reader really has the opportunity to roam around Jack's head. As a result, Jack may be the best character Crichton has written to date. His emotions leap off the page, and his thought processes allow Crichton to seamlessly integrate necessary expository elements into the flow of the novel. Of course, Jack doesn't remain the house-husband for long. It turns out that there are problems at Xymos Corporation, where his wife is a vice-president. It seems that they've lost control of some of the nano-particle swarms that they were working on, and they need Jack to help bring them back into the fold. As it turns out, Jack wrote an early version of the software (which is based upon predator-prey relationships) that is being used as the brains behind the swarm. As an added level of intrigue, Jack suspects that his wife is having an affair with one of the people at Xymos' fabrication plant. I don't want to say much more for fear of ruining the plot, but as one would expect, the situation quickly spirals out of control in typical Crichton-esque fashion. Specifically, I think I can say without giving anything away, that he does a superb job of imbuing what are essential machines with an incredible sense of malice. Anyone who thinks that tiny machines acting in groups aren't scary will quickly have their minds changed by this novel. As with all of Crichton's best work "Prey" leaves you not only entertained, but feeling like you learned something as well. At the same time, unlike "Jurassic Park" and "Timeline" which employed technically possible, but functionally questionable technology, nanotechnology is on its way, and is already here to a degree. Already there are microchip sized laboratories that can perform dozens of experiments on a single drop of blood, and there are exotic materials custom built for specific functions from the molecular level. It is entirely likely, even probable, that within ten or twenty years, we will see some crude version of the technology that plays the central role in the novel. As a result, Crichton writes with a sense of urgency that makes this a thriller you don't; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A New Verse Translation; Author: Visit Amazon's W.S. Merwin Page; Review: Since I suspect they will have similar audiences, I feel I should state right off the bat that W. S. Merwin's translation of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is not quite at the level of Seamus Heaney's "Beowulf". Heaney created an absolute masterpiece; the type of translation that comes along only once every few generations, and which completely redefines the view of the subject matter. The difference between the two translations lies in Heaney's ability to capture the meter and rhyme of "Beowulf" without being slavish to the original structure. Merwin has followed a similar approach in his translation, and while the language is beautiful, I didn't sense the same ancient vibrancy I got from Heaney's work. That said, this book is more than worthy of the five-star rating that I gave it. Merwin's use of language is absolutely superb, and the resulting translation is a remarkable tapestry of images. In particular, he deftly captures the underlying tension and eroticism that forms such a key element of the story. Gawain's struggle to remain true to his code is rendered perfectly, and sets a mood of self-doubt that perfectly offsets his outward frivolity. Since I have already mentioned "Beowulf" I might add for those unfamiliar with "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" that it is much more subtle than the former. While "Beowulf" is undeniably open to interpretation (indeed there is a wealth of fascinating scholarship surrounding it), its basic elements are much more straightforward. At its heart, as Tolkien espoused so brilliantly, "Beowulf" is a story about monsters, and what they mean in our world. On the other hand, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is more interested in exploring the ideals of chivalry and courtly love. While there is a fair bit of gore, it strikes me as being more of the hook to keep the reader engaged, rather than the core element of the story. Finally, in it's conclusion, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is far more vague than Beowulf. Merwin has produced as a translation of the highest quality. While perhaps less "poetic" than some of its predecessors, it is written in a language that captures the full beauty and vibrancy of this remarkable poem. While a mere 84 pages in length (not including the opposing pages in Old English) this is a tale rich in metaphor that is a delight to read, and that will leave you pondering its meaning.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Demon in the Freezer: A True Story; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Preston Page; Review: Richard Preston's first work of non-fiction, "The Hot Zone" was a gruesome look at emerging viruses in general, and the Ebola virus in particular. However, no matter how grotesque it got, the reader could detach themselves from the book because Ebola is basically unheard of in the developed world, and isn't particularly effective at spreading (it kills its victims to quickly). His latest, "The Demon in the Freezer" is another story altogether. In it, he discusses the appalling specter of smallpox in general, and weaponized smallpox in particular. By using the anthrax attacks of 2001 as a jumping off point, he delves into a fascinating exploration of a disease that most people consider eradicated. Unfortunately, Preston reveals that this is far from the case. While it is true that smallpox hasn't occurred naturally in 25 years, it is accepted (if not altogether proven) that the Russians have significant stockpiles of particularly virulent smallpox. Moreover, it seems probable that some of this material has found its way into the hands of other actors (Iran, Iraq, North Korea). Finally, give the abundance of smallpox samples available just three decades ago, it seems likely that parallel programs could have been pursued in any number of countries. In clear (if you've studied any biology at all, you should be fine with the terms in this book, and there is a glossary), vibrant language, Preston explores the personalities and institutions involved in trying to understand what smallpox today would mean. With a significant portion of the population having never been vaccinated, and the efficacy of 30-year-old vaccinations in serious doubt, it is a certainty that the release of even "natural" smallpox would be an absolutely devastating event. But what is even scarier is the possibility for engineered viruses that could burn through a fresh round of vaccinations and that would be almost impossible to counter. As compelling as the subject matter is, and as breathless as Preston's writing is, it bears mentioning that he does an excellent job of staying above the scientific debate. His narrative is nothing if not evenhanded, and he goes to great lengths to report varying points of view in an engaging, but dispassionate tone. The closest he comes to editorializing is when he takes a jab (that is to my mind well deserved) at the Clinton administration for handling the Russians with kid gloves when the U.S. knew for a fact, from a variety of sources that, they had huge stockpiles of smallpox. The end result of this rather typical bungling was the loss of security, the loss of accountability, and the loss of awareness as to the material's locale. In light of the Bush Administration's recent decision to begin immunizing health care workers, and to begin stockpiling enough vaccine for every American, this book takes on a whole new importance. Anyone who doesn't understand the decision, or what the consequences of bio-warfare are, would do well the read this book. Moreover, anyone who doubts the grave threat to all mankind posed by smallpox will find this book a disturbing eye-opener. It; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: If The South Had Won The Civil War; Author: Visit Amazon's MacKinlay Kantor Page; Review: In this slim volume MacKinlay Kantor has produced an intelligent, readable history of North America if the Confederate States had won the Civil War. Written in the same style as Sobel's "For Want of a Nail", the action is presented in the form of a history text, rather than a novel in the traditional sense. So instead of characters, the reader gets footnotes and "historical" asides. It is a fascinating way to write a work of fiction, and Kantor did an admirable job of it in this instance. He takes two near simultaneous events as his turning points: Grant's death in a horse accident prior to his capture of Vicksburg, and the rout of the Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg. Going forward from that point, he posits Lincoln's flight from Washington, the establishment of the Republic of Texas, and a host of other events, large and small, that lend far more realism to his allohistorical world than one might expect out of a story of less than a hundred pages. As it happens, I think that a Civil War ending in Confederate victory would have left far more acrimony than Kantor predicts. However, it is the beauty of good alternate history that one need not agree with the author's interpretations to enjoy it. So long as the author's conclusions are well researched, logical and well argued (and that is absolutely the case in this instance) one can't take issue with them. Moreover, half the fun is stacking up your conclusions of what might have happened against the author's, and seeing how you rate. Don't let its size fool you; "If the South Had Won the Civil War" is an intelligent, engaging alternate history. Kantor makes some genuinely fascinating leaps, and his logic and conclusions are ironclad. Enjoy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Utopia; Author: Visit Amazon's Lincoln Child Page; Review: After seven great novels (and one in the can) with Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child decided to stretch his legs as a solo writer with "Utopia". As a long time fan of the two, I couldn't have been more impressed with the result. Like his collaborative efforts, "Utopia" offers a genuinely original story wrapped up in all kinds of neat technology. What makes "Utopia" shine, though, is the excellent back-story and the superb characters. "Utopia" is set in an amusement park of the same name, but this isn't just any amusement park. It is an enormous glass dome in the middle of the Nevada desert. Inside, one can find astonishingly realistic recreations of Victorian England, a turn of the Century American seaside boardwalk, Camelot and a futuristic spaceport (and, Atlantis: Coming Soon!). Of course each area includes the most fantastic rides one can imagine, as well as restaurants, live shows, reasonably priced forty dollar t-shirts and...casinos. Moreover, Utopia is the owner of hundreds of patents relating to holograms , robotics and computing. As one might imagine, all of this money and technology makes for a tempting target, and right on cue, John Doe appears to insert chaos into this little piece of paradise. At the same time, Andrew Warne, the creator of the park's robots, arrives to troubleshoot some strange problems that have been occurring (with daughter in tow). As mayhem breaks loose in the park, Warne struggles to decipher Doe's plan, and stop him before it's too late. The story is unlike anything I have ever encountered before; a rare unique effort in a world of rehashed ideas. But it was the characters that impressed me the most. In addition to capturing their current concerns and fears beautifully, Child is constantly dropping little hints about their pasts: where they came from, what they do, who they love, etc. At the same time, he never let's himself get distracted; he doesn't diverge from the story, but rather inserts little asides to flesh out the characters without delving into reams of details. He is particularly successful with John Doe in this regard, and the result is a compelling, but mysterious character. "Utopia" is a fast paced thriller with a lot of heart. Wrapped in a high-tech wonderland, there are characters with believable, rich lives. The pacing, structure and use of language are all likewise excellent. I have to admit, having been a long time fan of Child's joint work, I was concerned about his decision to go solo. I needn't have been, as "Utopia" is an excellent novel by any measure. Now I just have to wait eagerly for Preston's solo effort later this year!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Remarkable Trees of the World; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas Pakenham Page; Review: In "Remarkable Trees of the World" Thomas Pakenham has taken his personal love of trees and turned it into a remarkable book. By turns photo album, travelogue and field guide, this book transcends any one of these classifications and becomes something truly "remarkable" as a result. First off, the photography is absolutely spectacular, and all the more impressive because the author took the pictures himself. Anyone who has wiled away the hours beneath the branches of a particularly noble arboreal friend, can't help but be enchanted by these shots. Reproduced with beautiful clarity and color, Pakenham succeeds in capturing the essence of each of his subjects. Secondly, Pakenham's descriptions of how he came across these trees are engaging in their own right. The "World" in the title isn't just for show; he literally travels to the ends of the earth to capture his remarkable subjects. His musings about what trees reflect of the surrounding culture and geography are fascinating and engaging. While anyone who buys this book is clearly doing so for the photography, that doesn't mean that the writing is at all sub-par. Finally, while this isn't a botanical study by any means, Pakenham does discuss some interesting aspects of tree-ring dating, conservation, and evolution. While no particular topic is considered in any great detail, he offers plenty of jumping off points for anyone interested in pursuing the subject matter in more detail. "Remarkable Trees of the World" is a must have for any nature lover. Pakenham does a superb job of surveying a broad variety of trees, and there were several I'd never even heard of. Moreover, he offers great suggestions about which of these trees will survive where; I'm already looking forward to a more varied planting than I had planned on in my backyard this spring! Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jennifer Government; Author: Visit Amazon's Max Barry Page; Review: While I would have to argue that comparisons to "1984" or "Catch-22" are a bit extravagant, Max Barry has nonetheless written a scathing satire of our consumer culture that is well worth reading. Set in a near future where taxes have been abolished, the government privatized and the NRA is outsourcing its private army to the world's largest corporations, "Jennifer Government" is by turns funny and terrifying. The novel kicks off in a fashion that would be funny if it wasn't so deadly serious. As Nike assassinates customers in order to develop street credibility, the Government attempts to halt the carnage. The result is a trade war that extends beyond the use of advertising and into the use of heavy artillery. Along the way, the reader is introduced to several remarkable characters, including the eponymous Jennifer Government, who, while stylized, are remarkably effective. At the same time, the writing and pacing are both excellent; a big problem with satire is that it all too often bogs down under the weight of its own righteous outrage. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the case with "Jennifer Government", the story hums along at break-neck pace, and the dialogue is snappy, without being abrupt. As with any satire, the reader would be well advised to take this novel with a grain of salt. I think Max Barry would be the first to admit that it is unlikely that Burger King and McDonalds are going to engage in a shooting war any time soon. That said, he does make a powerful statement about the deadening effects modern corporate culture can have on the human psyche, not to mention mankind, and the planet, as a whole. "Jennifer Government" is a well written, entertaining satire; the author injects his dystopian future with just enough absurdity to keep the book from bogging down, but not so much that it becomes completely nonsensical. Ultimately "Jennifer Government" is both an engaging read, and a reminder that the important things in life don't come from a store. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eisenhower: A Soldier's Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Carlo D'Este Page; Review: Through the lens of history, Dwight David Eisenhower, General of the Army, Supreme Allied Commander, President, is often seen as the affable embodiment of all that it is to be American. Of course, the truth is actually much more interesting. In Carlo D'Este's superb biography we are introduced to an Eisenhower who is full of contradictions and failings, but one who ultimately takes on a greater, and certainly more real, stature as a result of them. As with his likewise excellent biography of Patton, D'Este sets the stage for Eisenhower's life by exploring the origins and beliefs of his forebears. As a result, the reader is introduced to perhaps the greatest irony of Eisenhower's life: his parents were staunch pacifists, and while proud of their son's accomplishments, were never particularly comfortable with his chosen career path. It is also worth noting that Eisenhower's life was utterly different from George Patton's, whose career became intertwined with his own. Unlike Patton's privileged upbringing, Eisenhower was dirt poor for pretty much his entire life, and yet the two men were close friends for decades before the pressures of war drove them irretrievably apart. What is perhaps most interesting about Eisenhower, is that America's most well known soldier never actually directly commanded men in combat. His proficiency as a trainer kept him out of the trenches of WWI, and his skill as a staff officer meant that thereafter, he was always the brain behind the throne for a string of officers including such luminaries as MacArthur and Marshall. Yet, it was this perceived deficit in his resume that actually proved to be his greatest strength. Above all, Eisenhower was a master administrator; he could take a long view of the situation, and insomuch as he was able, build a consensus out of the egos of his generals. It is perhaps the greatest strength of D'Este's research that he can paint a portrait of Eisenhower beset on all sides by prima donnas like Montgomery, Bradley and Patton, who is still able to maintain control over the long term progress of the war. D'Este is particularly scathing of Bradley, who is clearly the most overrated general of World War II, but even with Montgomery and Patton, who were undoubtedly Eisenhower's superiors in matters of operational art, he correctly recognizes that they lacked the fundamental character traits that made Eisenhower so successful as Supreme Commander. Traits like patience, affability, and the ability to place the good of the Allies above his own feelings meant that he could guide a supremely fractious coalition to victory. That's not to say that D'Este is an unabashed admirer of Eisenhower. He correctly recognizes that, particularly early in the war, Eisenhower was far too tentative in his command. Moreover, he had a tendency to place personal loyalty above competency, and tolerated far too many laggards on his staff for political reasons. Moreover, as an infantryman, Eisenhower never completely grasped the need for maneuver and speed in his operations, a failing that lay at the root of his problems with Patton. That said, Eisenhower is; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: King Rat; Author: China Mieville; Review: In "King Rat" China Mieville has created a Pied Piper tale for the 21st century. Using the duality of the ultra-chic yet hyper-primitive culture of the London club scene as his backdrop, and writing with machine-gun pacing, Mieville has created an alternate world that is by turns amusing and terrifying. Unlike his other two novels (which are brilliant in their own right) "King Rat" is raw, there's really no other way to say it, Mieville's words drip and fester like the sewers that are his settings, and his characters resonate with appropriately primal emotion. It would be extraordinarily difficult to do any more than sketch out the storyline without blowing the plot, but, as I alluded to above, it can safely be said that this is an entirely new and unique take on the Pied Piper. Mieville has transformed the Piper from a jilted, mean-spirited employee, into a force of overawing malevolence and tremendous power. At the same time, as one might deduce from the title, we follow the rats into the sewers and watch as they, and their king, plot revenge for a thousand year old injustice. As always, Mieville's worldview is always just skewed enough to keep the reader off balance. He takes the reader inside the Piper's song, and reveals that it is a cry out to our most base desires: lust, gluttony and greed. Unlike a devil, which speaks with a deceitful tongue, he pulls back the veil that separates humans from animals, and that instills animals with self-preservation. He promises all that we ever wanted, but would never admit even to ourselves. Likewise, Mieville's characters are excellent as usual. In particular, Saul, the half-man, half-rat who forms the centerpiece of the story is supremely well conceived and written. His hesitance to turn his back on the human world even as he is lured by the rat world is fascinating, and both real and surreal at the same time. In addition, the supporting cast of characters is also excellent. Saul's human friends exude a pathos, a certain patheticism...weakness that stands in stark contrast to the animal in Saul. Finally, there are several characters that skirt the fantastic while still being utterly grounded. I don't want to ruin any surprises, but it is fair to say that each is superbly realized and effectively captures the essence that Mieville had in mind. I read both of Mieville's other novels (`Perdido Street Station' and `The Scar') when they came out, and I enjoyed them both thoroughly. Mieville's command of the language is second to none, and he absolutely revels in the descriptive power of the written word. His characters are always morally ambiguous, and hence completely human. That said, I never completely appreciated these novels until I explored their roots in "King Rat"; where it is raw and jarring, they are contemplative and polished. However, they all share Mieville's boundless imagination and thoughtful writing. "King Rat" is the first stepping-stone in what I expect to be a brilliant career, and as such, it is a superb work in its own right,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jarhead: A Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles; Author: Visit Amazon's Anthony Swofford Page; Review: In "Jarhead" Anthony Swofford has created a memoir that ranks with "Dispatches" and "My War Gone By, I Miss it So". His brutal honesty, when combined with his superb writing, produces a portrait of war that is both appalling and moving. Swofford's book isn't one of tactics, weapons and politics; rather, it is one of brotherhood, terror, hope and despair. While the book isn't written in chronological order, it details (albeit unevenly) Swofford's life from childhood through his enlistment in the Marines and the years following the Gulf War. As one might expect, the bulk of the narrative covers his time in the Marines, although there are a few particularly poignant moments that took place before and after his service. As a narrative of Marine life, "Jarhead" is fascinating. Swofford provides the best look atf life in the Marines I have ever encountered (and that includes Sledge's superb "With the Old Breed"). From his indoctrination through his deployments in the Pacific and Desert Storm, the reader is given a string of snapshots of life as a Marine that are by turns funny, appalling, terrifying and touching, but always fascinating. That said, "Jarhead" is much more; it is Swofford's chronicle of his journey into manhood, and how the horrors of war shaped the man he would become. Swofford reveals himself as a realist when he states in the final pages, "Some wars are unavoidable and need well be fought." However, he reveals the battlefield view of war when he continues, "but this doesn't erase warfare's waste." Swofford is no pacifist, but he has seen what war can do to a man, what war did to himself. Above all, I suspect that "Jarhead" was a cathartic effort for Swofford, an attempt to overcome his demons by revealing them to the light of day. At the same time, though, he has created a cautionary tale for those who make the decision to go to war; essentially, he is revealing the true price of war so that we might better determine if the use of force is worth the cost. Ultimately, "Jarhead" is a fascinating look at one man's journey into manhood through war. It is not an easy read, and is profoundly sad at some points, but it is a brilliantly written and immensely important book. One would hope that all of the soldiers the U.S. produces are so thoughtful, so well equipped to fulfill their mission even as they are revolted by its effects. Likewise, one would hope that our leaders would read this book, and think long and hard before they send more brave, intelligent boys to face the abominations Swofford so compellingly recounts. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America; Author: Visit Amazon's Erik Larson Page; Review: In "The Devil in the White City" Erik Larson has produced a fascinating snapshot of the time surrounding the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. What makes this book unique, however, is that he has successfully juxtaposed the dazzling success of the fair with the gruesome exploits of a serial killer who haunted its edges. The end result is a book that captures more than just the fair, or the killer, but rather provides a remarkable look at America at the dawn of the twentieth century. Larson's narrative follows two interwoven stories in more or less alternating chapters. One line is that of Daniel Burnham, chief architect of the fair, and a man of immense, and under appreciated vision. Larson does a superb job of detailing the massive endeavor that Burnham undertook, and the brutally short timeline in which he had to accomplish it. A man of less ambition would have lost hope in the face of such immense obstacles, but Burnham not only persevered, but also triumphed. In a mere 22 months, he produced an exhibition that was an architectural triumph, which so dazzled its visitors that they came to call the fair "The White City". Moreover, his daring allowed the fair to actually turn a profit, a key victory in America's staunchly capitalist society. At the same time that Larson describes the triumph of the "White City" he details the depredations of a man who goes by many names, but who the reader comes to know as Holmes. In many ways, Holmes was America's answer to Jack the Ripper, but his notoriety faded over time, a victim of the enigmatic nature of his crimes. While the toll Holmes took is uncertain (from a certain nine victims up to an estimated, and perhaps implausible, 200), it is certain that he set up what was essentially a murder factory in his custom built commercial building/hotel/office. Complete with soundproof gas chambers and a basement fitted with a crematory, dissection table and acid vats. While these twin narratives may seem at odds, they actually compliment each other quite nicely. Both represent an ideal, opposite ends of a pole, and as a result, the reader is treated to a comprehensive view of the times that represents a whole, both good and bad. Some reviewers have complained that Larson's narrative digresses into areas not immediately pertinent (menus, news of the day, etc.) and that is true. However, it is these digressions that allow Larson to capture the true feel of the times; from the muck in the streets to the most exalted banquets, the reader is treated to a fascinating portrait of how people lived. The end result of all this detail, when combined with Larson's superb, almost conversational, style of writing, is a fascinating, immensely enjoyable book. "The Devil in the White City" reads like a novel, but is all the more intriguing because it is true. Larson has taken a little know murderer, combined him with a slightly better known fair, and produced a fascinating look at the United States 100 years ago. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America; Author: Visit Amazon's Erik Larson Page; Review: In "The Devil in the White City" Erik Larson has produced a fascinating snapshot of the time surrounding the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. What makes this book unique, however, is that he has successfully juxtaposed the dazzling success of the fair with the gruesome exploits of a serial killer who haunted its edges. The end result is a book that captures more than just the fair, or the killer, but rather provides a remarkable look at America at the dawn of the twentieth century. Larson's narrative follows two interwoven stories in more or less alternating chapters. One line is that of Daniel Burnham, chief architect of the fair, and a man of immense, and under appreciated vision. Larson does a superb job of detailing the massive endeavor that Burnham undertook, and the brutally short timeline in which he had to accomplish it. A man of less ambition would have lost hope in the face of such immense obstacles, but Burnham not only persevered, but also triumphed. In a mere 22 months, he produced an exhibition that was an architectural triumph, which so dazzled its visitors that they came to call the fair "The White City". Moreover, his daring allowed the fair to actually turn a profit, a key victory in America's staunchly capitalist society. At the same time that Larson describes the triumph of the "White City" he details the depredations of a man who goes by many names, but who the reader comes to know as Holmes. In many ways, Holmes was America's answer to Jack the Ripper, but his notoriety faded over time, a victim of the enigmatic nature of his crimes. While the toll Holmes took is uncertain (from a certain nine victims up to an estimated, and perhaps implausible, 200), it is certain that he set up what was essentially a murder factory in his custom built commercial building/hotel/office. Complete with soundproof gas chambers and a basement fitted with a crematory, dissection table and acid vats. While these twin narratives may seem at odds, they actually compliment each other quite nicely. Both represent an ideal, opposite ends of a pole, and as a result, the reader is treated to a comprehensive view of the times that represents a whole, both good and bad. Some reviewers have complained that Larson's narrative digresses into areas not immediately pertinent (menus, news of the day, etc.) and that is true. However, it is these digressions that allow Larson to capture the true feel of the times; from the muck in the streets to the most exalted banquets, the reader is treated to a fascinating portrait of how people lived. The end result of all this detail, when combined with Larson's superb, almost conversational, style of writing, is a fascinating, immensely enjoyable book. "The Devil in the White City" reads like a novel, but is all the more intriguing because it is true. Larson has taken a little know murderer, combined him with a slightly better known fair, and produced a fascinating look at the United States 100 years ago. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ; Author: Stephen Handelman; Review: "Biohazard" by Ken Alibek, is the gripping true story of his life as one of the Soviet Union's elite bioweaponeers. Alibek traces his assent through the Soviet biowarfare bureaucracy, from his early days as a young doctor to his defection to the United States. In between he lists a catalog of mankind's greatest scourges: anthrax, smallpox, plague and a host of lesser know agents, and how the Soviets worked to turn them into weapons of horrifying virulence. Told in a largely chronological fashion (the exception being diversions into Soviet research prior to Alibek's career), "Biohazard" is more concerned with the "how" of the program than the "what". More specifically, Alibek largely restricts himself to the broad overview of the research, and focuses on the entire bioweapons establishment: where it was located, what it was capable of producing, who its directors were, etc. As such, anyone with a basic introduction to biology should be able to follow the narrative; however, some high school or introductory college biology would probably enhance one's understanding of just how appalling these weapons are. Particularly disturbing were Alibek's discussions of efforts to produce "chimera" weapons; weapons that contain the complete genetic code of two diseases in one cell. A particularly awful weapon that may or may not have been developed was a combined smallpox/Ebola weapon that combined both diseases while sacrificing the virulence of neither. One need not be an expert to see that the consequences of such a weapon would be catastrophic. Moreover, Alibek spends significant time towards the end of the book detailing the possibility for the rise of biowarfare programs in other countries. He lists Russia, India, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, South Korea, Libya and Cuba as almost certain participants in this deadly field, and argues strongly that the collapse of the Russian economy makes it almost certain that Russian scientists are selling their expertise to other countries. Written prior to 9/11, "Biohazard" is all the more disconcerting because of it. I have one minor complaint about "Biohazard". Specifically, as I alluded to earlier, Alibek doesn't spend much time discussing the symptoms and impact of specific diseases. For instance, naturally occurring smallpox is (or was) about 30% fatal; but what would be the consequences of a release today into an unvaccinated populace? Moreover, how much more virulent was the Soviet engineered virus? I suppose that he may not have wanted to give specifics for fear of encouraging others, but the information is critical if one is to accurately assess the threat of bio-terrorism. In this day and age, America's first line of defense is information. In "Biohazard" Ken Alibek has written a book that goes a long way towards dispelling our benign view of Russian weapons programs. Moreover, it reinforces the grave threat that rogue states, and by extension terrorists, with weapons of mass destruction pose in the 21st century. This is a book is well worth reading by anyone who wants to understand the potential pitfalls to peace and security in the decades to come. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Life of Pi; Author: Visit Amazon's Yann Martel Page; Review: Yann Martel's "Life of Pi" is the fascinating story of one Pi Patel, a castaway, stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat...oh, and his only companion is a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Thus is the stage for this genuinely unique novel. Couched as a meditation on the nature of God and faith, the novel succeeds more as a straightforward, albeit unusual, story of survival. Pi, the eponymous main character, is a boy of sixteen who despite being raised in the Hindu tradition of India (or rather around, his parents aren't particularly religious) has come to embrace both Christianity and Islam. Moreover, his belief in one faith in no way detracts from his faith in the others; rather, he takes the core beliefs of each, and uses them to enhance his understanding of the others. While this is certainly an unusual arrangement, it is perhaps not as shocking as Martel might have hoped, as the core beliefs of most religions are compassion, charity and faith in the divine. On the other hand, if he was striving to highlight the absurdity of strife in God's name, he certainly makes a compelling point. That said, the story, as I alluded to earlier, largely takes place on a lifeboat adrift in the Pacific. Pi's family were zookeepers, and in the process of moving to Canada, the cargo ship transporting them and their animals sinks, leaving Pi and a tiger by the name of Richard Parker as the only survivors. What follows are nine months of desperation, filled with small triumphs and journeys to the depths of despair. Richard Parker is too big and dangerous for Pi to attempt to kill him, so he must find a way to come to an accommodation with this dangerous beast. To do so, he is forced to call upon all of his experience as a zookeeper's son, while struggling to keep himself alive. I'm sure that many will find this brief overview of the plot somewhat far-fetched; more of a metaphor than an actual story, I assure you that nothing could be further from the truth. Martel has taken a completely bizarre circumstance, and turned it into something not only believable, but also plausible. "Life of Pi" is loaded with events that would be mundane if it weren't for the desperate nature in which they took place, and Pi's struggle for supremacy with the tiger is so pragmatic and deadly serious, any element of the fantastic goes right out the window. However, as I alluded to earlier, the meditation on religion that Martel was striving for seems to fall short. There are elements that echo parts of the Bible: a struggle with an unknown stranger (Jacob wrestling God/an angel), blindness and despair (numerous times in the New Testament), and Richard Parker certainly seems to fill an Archangel's duel role of protector and scourge of God. Moreover, it wouldn't surprise me to find that there are elements from other religions that I an not familiar with. All that aside, though, Martel never has Pi come to a true; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Baudolino; Author: Visit Amazon's Umberto Eco Page; Review: "Baudolino" by Umberto Eco is a beguiling novel full of riddles and half-truths. What begins as a fairly standard, albeit engaging, work of historical fiction, quickly transforms into a work of almost surreal imagination. Touching upon every imaginable mythos of the Middle Ages, from the Holy Grail to the kingdom of Prester John, to the Old Man of the Mountain and the dimensions of the Earth, Eco has created a travelogue that is completely believable, and yet must be an almost complete fabrication. The tale is recounted by the eponymous Baudolino, adopted son of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick, and by his own admission, something of a ne'er do well. However, he is also a devoted son, and is determined to do his part to ensure that greater glory of his adoptive father. After having the legend of Prester John imparted to him by one of Frederick's advisors, Baudolino is convinced of its truth, and moreover is certain that a union with this magisterial Christain kingdom is the perfect way to secure Frederick's glory. Unfortunately, no proof of this John's kingdom exists, so Baudolino determines to fabricate a letter from Prester John that will prove his existence to Frederick, and which will convince him seek John's kingdom. There is no shame in this act because Baudolino, being utterly convinced of the truthfulness of his sources, is certain that Frederick will find Prester John. At this point it seems that "Baudolino" will in some way be the opposite of Eco's "Focault's Pendulum". In this instance, instead of creating truth (or at least a perception of truth) out what were thought to be flights of fancy, Baudolino is striving to create proof of something he believes to exist through a work of pure fiction. Thus, through the first half of the book, the reader is left with the impression that this will be another secret history. Furthermore, this suspicion is born out by the fact that the protagonists are constantly inventing "holy" relics in order to further their respective causes. This jives with Eco's genteel, but well know, differences with the Catholic Church; his beliefs can only be reinforced by his playful, at will creation of holy relics. To a point, that may have been Eco's goal, and it is certainly a centerpiece of the novel, but when Baudolino actually sets out in search of Prester John, things become a bit more muddled. He recounts creatures and places that the 21st century reader knows never existed, so the question then becomes, is Baudolino still lying, or is something deeper at work? Before I attempt to answer that question I feel I should add that it need not even be approached by the reader. Eco's creation, while not rooted in fact is utterly engaging and completely believable within the confines of the book. If one approaches "Baudolino" as a twelfth century travelogue, and not as the creation of Eco, it can be approached much like the travels of Sinbad, or the tales of King Arthur. That said, there is plenty of room for conjecture on; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Darwin's Children; Author: Visit Amazon's Greg Bear Page; Review: First off, don't even consider reading this novel before reading its predecessor "Darwin's Radio"; there is simply too much plot and science to attempt to pick up without the benefit of reading the first novel. Secondly, while there is some serious science discussed in both books, the reader shouldn't feel that a lack of formal biology education will prevent them from understanding and enjoying these books (although it certainly won't hurt). Bear does an excellent job of working the necessary science into the flow of the narrative, and he even provides a fairly comprehensive glossary at the end of the book. That said, I found 'Darwin's Children" to be every bit as engaging and every bit as frustrating as "Darwin's Radio". The premise, that a new branch of human evolution is beginning, is an intriguing one, and the idea of following this new species as it grows to maturity has the potential to be fascinating. And to a degree, it is; unfortunately, Bear all to frequently takes the reader down literary dead-ends, and makes temporal jumps just when the story is getting interesting. First the good, though, and there is plenty. To begin, Bear's characters are a step above the first novel. That's not to say that the were lacking previously, but the author has taken this opportunity to instill them with a deep pathos that is truly memorable. The characters, operating under horribly strenuous circumstances represent the full range of human emotion. Moreover, their philosophies are well defined and realistic; they absolutely fit the situation at hand, and nicely mirror historical precedent. Secondly, Bear has created a dystopian near future that is all too believable. He draws nicely on the subtle but pervasive daily fear of the post 9/11 world to create a U.S. that is both terrifyingly different, and yet disturbingly familiar. While he often where's his politics on his sleeve, Bear does draw nicely on the concern for a potential erosion of our civil liberties in the years to come. Finally, as I alluded to earlier, Bear does a superb job of incorporating genuinely cutting edge science without bogging down the narrative. In fact, the scientific dialogue almost becomes a character unto itself, as the reader ponders what revelation will be next. Unfortunately, all of these elements are let down by rather discordant storytelling. In a book just under four hundred pages long, Bear has attempted to cover three different time periods separated by six years. Frankly, this is just too much to attempt in a relatively short novel. In any given section the pacing and plot lines are excellent, but just when the reader is immersed in the story, it jumps rather jarringly ahead by a few years. Moreover, critical plot developments are presumed to have taken place in the intervening periods, which is extraordinarily frustrating when one considers how successful Bear is at writing sympathetic characters. Secondly, there are more than a few blind alleys that left me puzzled. On more than one occasion Bear seems about to reveal a major plot point, only to back away.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghosts of Tsavo : Stalking the Mystery Lions of East Africa; Author: Phillip Caputo; Review: "Ghosts of Tsavo" is part travelogue, part natural history, part murder mystery, and part mid-life crisis for its author Philip Caputo. What it is as a whole is a fascinating, engaging look at the lions of Tsavo Park in Kenya. Caputo first became interested in these unusual lions as a result of a visit to the Field Museum in Chicago as a young boy. Therein were "Ghost" and "Darkness" two enormous males lions that terrorized constructions workers building a rail line through Tsavo. In fact terrorized may be too weak a word as they are credited with killing at least 120 people and literarily halting construction until they were eventually hunted down and killed by British Lt. Col. Patterson who was heading up the project. He recounted this effort in his famous memoir "The Man Eaters of Tsavo" and kindled a fascination with Kenya's lions that lingered with Caputo for half a century. What sets the lions of Tsavo apart from the more familiar ones we know from nature documentaries, is that they are much bigger, and the males are either maneless of have very short manes, in either case nothing like the regal mountains of fur on their cousins from the Serengeti. In the first half of the book, Caputo explores reasons as to why this might by the case. It is possible that since Tsavo is much warmer than the Serengeti, manes are too expensive in terms of internal resources to grow. Another possibility is that the thick scrub brush and thorns of the region wear down manes before they ever become truly impressive. However, it is a more controversial theory that makes for the most entertaining reading. Caputo encounters several scientists who argue that the lions of Tsavo are genetically distinct from the lions on the Serengeti. Moreover, they argue that the lions of Tsavo are in fact a throw back to prehistoric lions, quite literally walking fossils. The point to the lack of manes, the much larger height and girth and the fact that Tsavo lions hunt the enormous Cape Buffalo as justifications for this thesis. Ultimately, Caputo, in three journeys to Kenya over the course of eighteen months (once as a tourist and twice with scientific expeditions) is never able to definitively state which hypothesis is correct. However, that in no way detracts from his rambling, conversational narrative. Caputo is not a scientist, and he in no way pretends to be one, although he does (and justifiably so) consider himself a well-informed observer. As such, he is not constrained by the rigors of academia, and can therefore transfer his passion for these lions and the mystery surrounding them onto the page. In fact, towards the end he grows weary of the scientific studies as they somehow detract from the powerful aura that surrounds the lions. If you are interested in lions in general, or if the prospect of some spine-tingling tales of man-eating lions sounds appealing, "Ghost of Tsavo" is well worth reading. However, beyond the surface elements, Caputo has written a book that captures the raw; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pattern Recognition; Author: Visit Amazon's William Gibson Page; Review: I feel I should start of by stating that this is my first William Gibson novel, so if you're looking for an evaluation of "Pattern Recognition" within the context of his other books, there's no point in reading further. That said, I found "Pattern Recognition" to be a remarkable, moving novel that was a joy to read. Specifically, it is a fascinating look at the paranoia and hope of the post 9/11 world. Gibson deftly considers the difference between crass consumer culture and genuine art, and then swirls them together via our information saturated culture. As his protagonist, Gibson creates Cayce Pollard, something of a marketing prodigy whose claim to fame is that she can unerringly determine whether or not a brand logo will be successful on first sight. It is therefore intensely ironic that she has a phobia of all commercial branding that manifests itself through something that is akin to a cross between a panic attack and a migraine. Her revulsion to consumer culture is so intense, she goes so far as to remove labels from everything she owns, and dresses in the most stripped down manner possible. Wrapped inside this duality is the additional one that Cayce, despite her odd phobias, who seems to be an inherently trusting and positive person, is grappling with the death, or more accurately the disappearance of her father in the events surrounding 9/11. Thus her vision of the future is touched by the background, but pervasive, fear that seems to have become part and parcel to our new century. Cayce's escape from these twin phantoms is an oddly alluring film that is being released piece by piece on the internet (those familiar with Mark Danielewski's "House of Leaves" may see an echo here). The "footage", as it is known, enjoys a grass roots fascination globally that borders on cultish, except that the reaction is overwhelmingly positive, and disconnected from pop culture. The footage is apparently being released out of sequence, and seems to take place out of time and in some undefined location. As chatroom battles rage over whether it is a work in progress or a completed film, there seems to be no argument that the footage is a thing of shocking, pure beauty, totally untainted by popular culture. However, it is when Cayce is asked by her enigmatic and enormously influential colleague to track the footage to the source that things get weird. It would be impossible to recount the plot here without spoiling it, but the dualities mentioned above, art and pop-culture, past and future, act, react and interact in fascinating ways. Gibson argues eloquently that the future is informed by the past, but not determined by it. Moreover, he seems to be arguing that there is no such thing as consumer-culture or art, but rather that they are all part of one increasingly global CULTURE. This blurring of the lines is neither good nor bad, but instead a consequence of the Information Age. As such, the definitions and boundaries of art are shifting. I could go on, but I; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crimea: The Great Crimean War, 1854-1856; Author: Visit Amazon's Trevor Royle Page; Review: In "Crimea: The Great Crimean War 1854 - 1856" Trevor Royle has produced a work that is impressive not only for its reporting of the facts surrounding a very muddled war, but also for successfully placing The Crimean War within a greater context of European history. While perhaps slightly too focused on the British point of view, Royle is nonetheless supremely evenhanded, and does a superb job of capturing the numerous diplomatic subtleties which surrounded the events in the Crimea. Like all successful military histories, Royle's begins well before the years that actually encompass the fighting. Instead he examines France's (embodied in Napoleon III), desire to climb out of the hole it was left in after Waterloo. Having been stripped of all influence in Europe, and having lost much of its colonial Empire, France had nonetheless learned valuable lessons in Algeria during the intervening decades. Moreover, what France lacked in industrialization when compared to Britain, it more than made up for with unabashed ambition. At the same time, Britain was at the peak of a Pax Britannica that would last until 1914. As such, it was primarily concerned with maintaining the status quo, and protecting the crown jewel of the empire: India. Thus it came to pass that when Russia used protestations of religious crimes (which were complete pretexts, in spite of their veracity) as a causus belli for war with Turkey, that Britain and France, longstanding adversaries and frequent enemies, were thrust together to preserve an Ottoman Empire that was too caught up in inertia to save itself. Britain to protect India's fragile northwest frontier, and France to regain some of the luster it had lost The result, of course, was The Crimean War, a bizarre set of misadventures that seemingly accomplished nothing, and yet set the stage for a host of events to come. Specifically, battlefield necessity saw the invention or adaptation of numerous devices, such as the telegraph, railroad, field hospitals, rifles (as opposed to muskets), sanitation, steam-powered warships etc., many of which are credited to the more famous American Civil War. As such, the Crimean war can rightfully be argued as the first modern war, and it is therefore well worth studying. For example, the difficulties that the fractious British-French-Turkish alliance faced are particularly telling in a world where strategies for global collective action are sorely lacking. As for the fighting itself, there were precious few of what one might consider battles, the Alma, Inkerman/Balaklava and the siege of Sevastopol being the notable exceptions. For the most part this was a war that presaged World War I, with protracted trench fighting in brutal conditions. Nonetheless, Royle does a good job of setting the stage for the various engagements, including geography, units, commanders and missed opportunities. In particular, he does a superb job of portraying the senior commanders on all sides in an objective manner. However, it is in this area that I must make one of my two complaints: there is a serious lack of both quantity and quality when it comes to the maps. Far too often,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold War Hot: Alternate Decisions of the Cold War; Author: Peter Tsouras; Review: It is the unfortunate fact of collections of allo-historical scenarios like "Cold War Hot" (including the "What If?" books and "Virtual History") that the tend to be rather uneven in their quality. This is due to the reality that a collection of diverse writers will necessarily have different talents and different focuses which are more or less conducive to the writing of alternate history. That said, "Cold War Hot" ranks highly among the alternate history collections, and includes some of the best and most original pieces I have encountered. Obviously, "Cold War Hot" examines various alternate paths that the Cold War could have taken that would have resulted in either combat where there was none, or in a greater, more violent operational tempo. Divided into ten chapters, the book considers every time period from the Berlin Blockade through 1989. It is notable that when compared to other similar collections, the authors generally spend very little time discussing what actually did happen; in fact, other than a "what really happened" section at the end of each chapter, the content is probably at least eighty percent allo-historical. While this is great for someone well versed in the various Cold War flashpoints, it could be frustrating for someone who has only a vague grasp of twentieth century history, so be forewarned. The first two chapters are probably the weakest; the first deals with an air battle surrounding the Berlin Airlift, and the second with a successfully executed North Korean invasion of South Korea. Aside from the fact that both are rather predictable jumping off points, neither one is fleshed out particularly well and they both end rather abruptly. They aren't terrible, but they're definitely the week spots in this collection. The next scenario somewhat belies the title of the book as it presumes a pacification of Vietnam achieved at a much lower level of violence. While a little bit slower than the other chapters, it is still very well written and posits a thorough and believable alternate path for the Vietnam intervention. Chapters four and eight deal with events in the Middle East; the first around the Six Days War and the latter around the Yom Kippur War. From an operational standpoint, these are probably the two most thorough scenarios, as orders of battle are examined in detail, and armed clashes occur across the breadth of the Mediterranean. While the basis for both scenarios is well established in alternate political histories, it is in the "hot" aspect that they really shine. Chapters five and six are my two favorites, as they deal with the most esoteric 'what-ifs' in the book. Chapter five in particular is in my experience completely original as it examines the consequences of a violent Quebecois revolution in the late 1960's. As someone who witnessed the relatively peaceful attempts at secession in the late 1990's, this was an eye-opening and thoroughly enjoyable scenario. Chapter six deals with a Soviet invasion of communist China. This is another scenario where the military aspects are thoroughly detailed, and it contains probably the best presentation in; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doomsday Scenario - How America; Author: Douglas Keeney; Review: "The Doomsday Scenario" by L. Douglas Keeney is actually a briefly declassified copy of the "Emergency Plans Book", a high level consideration of the challenges facing the U.S. in a post nuclear strike world, published in 1958. Along with Keeney's extensive footnoting (on opposite pages to the original text) and an excellent introduction by Stephen I. Schwartz, that is the extent of the book; thus, those reviewers who have argued that this book is dry are correct, although I would argue that their focus is incorrect. Keeney's primary purpose in "The Doomsday Scenario" was to make available to the public a fascinating snapshot of how the government viewed the prospects for survival in a nuclear war as the Cold War approached its height (although, ironically, 1958 was a time when the U.S. actually had legitimate first-strike capability). As such, his notes are largely contextual (he also includes some excellent pictures of test shots, which effectively convey the destruction being so baldly stated in the document) rather than opinion or conjecture. Hence, if you are looking for a fleshed out portrait of a individual survival after a nuclear war, I would recommend fiction such as "Alas, Babylon", "On the Beach" or "The Last Ship". However, if you are interested in Cold War history in general, "The Doomsday Scenario" offers a superb primary reference, and nicely frames the nuclear strategy of the following thirty years. As for the text itself, the document covers quite thoroughly (albeit at a high level) all of the military and societal implications of a nuclear war. Among the items considered are casualties, accessibility to medical facilities, economic consequences, food production, transportation and communication. Surprisingly, the government is rather bleak in its assessment and takes a worst case view in most instances. That's not to say that they were wrong to do so, but American's have become accustomed to the positive spin-doctoring of their elected officials, and it was a little odd to see the fact being so plainly stated. Although brief, there are still more points than I could consider in a review, but there were a few aspects of the document that I (and the author) found intriguing. Specifically, although chemical and biological weapons are never considered at length, nuclear weapons are explicitly only part of a suite of WMD's that the U.S. anticipated the Russians using. It is noteworthy that the government anticipated outbreaks of Yellow Fever, smallpox, cholera and even plague within a few weeks of an attack. While the breakdown of medical services would account for some of this, there seems to be a darker consideration underlying this assessment. At the same time, the plan explicitly considers sabotage (e.g. terrorism) playing a significant role in any Soviet strike. Which brings me to my one complaint about this book: all to often Keeney draws comparisons to 9/11. While 9/11 was certainly awful, it pales in comparison to a nuclear strike, and while some of his comparisons are valid (strain on the communications network being one) all to often he assumes that the U.S. could rebound from; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Still Life with Crows (Pendergast, Book 4); Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas Preston Page; Review: I've been a fan of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child since "Relic", and during that time I have come to expect quality writing, great characters, tons of plot twists and bizarre, unexpected endings from them. Generally speaking, "Still Life With Crows" lives up to those expectations, but the ending unfortunately falls short, and the resolution leaves some troubling holes. That's not to say this is a bad novel, but fans of the authors may find that it doesn't quite live up to their expectations. Set in a small town in Kansas, "Still Life With Crows" has a creepy vibe from the very beginning that the authors superbly develop over the first two hundred pages. All too often, novels set in small towns are replete with stereotypes that detract from the story. Preston and Child, however, have written their best characters yet as they capture the full spectrum of small town Americana. From the sheriff is a wonderfully complex character who brilliantly plays the part of a typical rural sheriff even as he masks a deeper, more thoughtful man, to the aging local newspaperman, who is no less sophisticated than his big city counterparts, the authors weave a tapestry that draws the reader in. At the same time, Preston and Child exercise their considerable gifts for descriptive writing. Their ability to capture the still, oppressive heat of the plains and to imbue sprawling cornfields with a latent menace is admirable. Moreover, as the town of Medicine Creek falls prey to a murderous rampage, the authors create their most genuinely scary settings since "Relic". The murders are performed in an oddly ritualistic fashion that haunts the town even as they defy explanation by traditional means. Thus, it is no surprise that the authors call upon their familiar protagonist, Special Agent Pendergast to save the day. The difference this time is that he plays a larger role in this book than in any of his prior appearances. Thus, it is up to the authors to develop him to a much greater extent, and they do so quite successfully. It would be regrettable, but not surprising, if Pendergast took on an almost superhuman aura, considering the huge variety of his considerable faculties. Fortunately, Preston and Child have made him a true Renaissance man, but a man nonetheless; he is not superhuman, and has human flaws and frailties just like anyone else. At the same time, the authors have filled his background with mystery and regret that add to his personal legend even as they reveal other information. Thus, after four books, Pendergast is both better developed and more mysterious than he was when he first appeared in "Relic" which is no mean accomplishment. The other difference with Pendergast this time around is that he takes on an assistant in the form of a local misfit teenager, Corrie. While this may sound horribly hackneyed, it was actually quite effective, and her development and the relationship with Pendergast were both well executed. In fact, I would go so far to as to say that Corrie is one their; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Death Is Lighter than a Feather; Author: Visit Amazon's David Westheimer Page; Review: In the alternate history genre, David Westheimer's "Death is Lighter than a Feather" is relatively obscure, which is a shame because it is among the most accurate, well-written offerings available. In detailing the events of an American invasion of Japan in the absence of the use of nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Westheimer shows a firm grasp of strategy, tactics, weapons and geography. However, unlike many alternate histories that focus on the military to the exclusion of all else, Westheimer has simultaneously produced a rich novel full of fascinating characters that truly captures the fundamental essences of the Japanese and Americans, as well as war in general. Westheimer begins with a prologue that deftly weaves actual events into a world in which nuclear bombs are never brought to bear. Written in the manner of a history text, it quite effectively conveys the events and players that dictated the course of events without bogging down the fiction reader in historical minutia. At the same time, the matter of fact transition from reality to fiction sets the stage quite nicely for the heart of the novel. Rather than attempting to follow a primary cast of characters through the entirety of the novel, Westheimer has instead strung together snapshots of the lives of average people on both sides of the fighting; an American frogman, a Japanese colonel, a young Japanese girl, an American Marine, etc. The only link between chapters is the occasional return to the history book approach of the prologue in order to detail the larger course of events, and set the tone for the next chapter. In less capable hands, this approach could make for a disjointed reading experience but Westheimer effectively carries through common thematic elements that allow him to cover an array of experiences and concepts without destroying the flow of the novel. First and foremost among these elements is Westheimer's focus on the common man or woman. By and large, the big power brokers are completely absent. Neither MacArthur nor the Emperor (nor any of his generals) makes an appearance after the prologue. Instead, Westheimer focuses on low ranking officers, and even more so, on enlisted personal. The overall effect of this approach is a ground level view of the fighting that compliments the big picture portions of the text. At the same time, this close-in approach allows Westheimer to consider issues that would be discordant with a book focused on grand strategy. For example, the author considers a Marine who becomes convinced that he is killing the same Japanese soldier over and over again. Westheimer forces the reader to consider whether this is due to shellshock, or if it is a way of rationalizing the horror of killing one's fellow man. Which brings me to another fascinating element of this novel: Westheimer's intuitive understanding of the causes of war, and particularly, the mindset of the American soldier. His ability to capture what unremitting hatred does to the Japanese, and the consequences that it has on the American soldier is remarkable. His writing is made even more profound; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Franco-Prussian War: The German Invasion of France 18701871; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Howard Page; Review: The Franco-Prussian War is an unusual conflict in that it is in many ways a study in contrasts. Historically, it set the stage for two twentieth century conflagrations even as it settled scores from the early nineteenth century. Politically, it marked the zenith of French national influence, and the ascendancy of a united German power. Finally, militarily, it offered the first widespread use of breech-loading rifles and modern artillery, even as it often languished in the tactics of an earlier age. It takes a broad brush to capture all of these elements, and in this book, Michael Howard has succeeded admirably. He has taken an often overlooked conflict and placed it squarely at the crossroads of modern Europe, and a new, more terrible type of war. For while the American Civil War (or even the Crimean War) is often referred to as the first modern war, it is in fact in the Franco-Prussian War that we see all the key elements of modern warfare: national mobilization, citizen soldiers under the guidance of a professional general staff, and the ascendancy of industrialization in both transport and new, more destructive, weapons. At the same time, newer, more insidious developments in the form of guerrilla warfare and the targeting of civilians centers for strategic reasons first make their appearance on a large scale. Arising out of French objections to the Prussian selection of the Spanish monarch, this war, like many before and since, arose out of a complete lack of French appreciation for the changes that had overtaken the battlefield. While the French had relied on a small, professional army, the Prussians had adopted a model of mandatory service that allowed them to raise massive, reasonably competent forces with unprecedented speed. Thus, when hostilities broke out the French, who had assumed an easy victory, were caught on their heels and never regained the initiative. Thus from the summer of 1870 through the depths of winter and into 1871, the story of the Franco-Prussian War is the story of the courage of the French soldier being failed utterly by inept leadership. It wasn't in the strength of Prussian arms, or in the courage of its soldiers that the war was won; rather, it was in the ability of the centralized Prussian command structure to adapt rapidly to events when their French counterparts were still in the dark that victory was secured. Thus, while Howard's writing on the actual combat is vivid, it is in his appreciation of the fundamentally new Prussian way of war that he is most successful. From the king, through the Bismarck and Moltke, and on down through the rest of the senior command, he paints a vivid portrait of Prussian ideals and ambition. Conversely, he is equally successful at capturing the decrepitude and ineptness of a fragmented French government that lost the war in its opening days, and then prolonged it, to the never ending suffering of its soldiers, long after all hope was lost. Likewise along these lines, Howard nicely illustrates the increasing conflict that inevitable comes between politicians and the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City of Saints and Madmen; Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff VanderMeer Page; Review: Its difficult to know where to begin describing Jeff VanderMeer's remarkable "City of Saints and Madmen"; with it's interweaving plot lines cutting across stories, one is never sure where one section begins and another leaves off. Moreover, the world of Ambergris is so fully realized, and yet so willfully fanciful, one can never quite find one's footing. In the hands of a less skilled writer, all of this would add up to a bizarre mish-mash, but VanderMeer somehow weaves it together into one unified work. Moreover, this is a book for booklovers; the arrangement is a work of art in and of itself. The use of fonts, illustrations, footnotes, even the binding adds to the illusion. The cover itself is remarkable, as it contains both a short story and a hilarious fictional biography of the author. VanderMeer and his publisher have succeeded admirably in creating a volume that harkens to an era when books were not only repositories of writing, but valuable for what surrounded the writing. And what writing it is! VanderMeer flashes descriptive powers that border on the hallucinogenic; the pages absolutely drip with the essence of Ambergris. From the giant squid that inhabit the River Moth, to the serenely vicious Grey Caps, the author has produced a world that is both bizarrely foreign and completely believable at the same time. One of the keys to this success is VanderMeer's wise decision to left some things unsaid; for every piece of information about Ambergris that he doles out, he holds back ten, leaving the reader craving more, but also making his world believable because of its very complexity. In this regard (at least), he is the equal of China Mieville, who has likewise created a world that is both foreign and familiar. As for the stories themselves, I could spend the entire review on any one of them, but given the constraints of the medium, I'll just touch on some of the highlights. First off is the cover story, which I mentioned above. Although necessarily brief, it immediately introduces the reader to VanderMeer's talent with descriptive phrases like "muscular water". Moreover, it reveals two key things about VanderMeer's writing. The first is that while Ambergris may be fanciful, it is still every bit as brutal (and as beautiful) as our own. The second is VanderMeer's fascinating penchant for self-reference; he seems both fascinated and puzzled by his creation. The result is a desire to nurture it, but a fear of being defined, or even consumed, by it. Next is "Dradin in Love" which reveals Ambergris in all its glory and horror. Detailing the angst of the eponymous Dradin, it is by turns touching and horrifying. This is by no means a conventional love story; its conclusion questions whether benign illusion is preferable to brutal truth. As with most of these stories, there are illuminating facts dropped elsewhere in the book, particularly one about Dradin's time as a jungle missionary. Next is a fictional history that details the founding of Ambergris and which is perhaps my favorite story. It is incredibly; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Veniss Underground: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff VanderMeer Page; Review: In "Veniss Underground" Jeff VanderMeer has produced a fascinating retelling of the underworld mythology that so riddles our collective subconscious. Although clearly inspired by Dante and the myth of Orpheus and Euridcye, there is also a more primal, basic undercurrent that infuses his work. Specifically, it is the divine, yet flawed spark that inhabits each human being; the desire to exercise god-like powers even though we must inevitably pass our own shortcomings into any creation. Set in the future, one's instinct is to read "Veniss Underground" as science fiction, but to do so would mean missing something very fundamental at work. In reality, the novel is set in the future because it allows VanderMeer the freedom to use certain plot devices to propel his story forward. However, the real power of the novel comes from its exploration of our humanity. That said, his future is a fascinating construct: set in a world where each city has become a power unto itself, surrounded by impassable wastelands of human creation. In this regard, VanderMeer again harkens back to mythology, as Athens and the like were beacons in a strange, dangerous world. Veniss is a city where genetically engineered meerkats talk and act as servants, and where walking, breathing Ganesha's provide security and courier services. Moreover, the city itself is a marvel, a world unto itself. However, Veniss is coming unglued, and it is all its fragmented leadership can do to keep it together. Moreover, Veniss survives because of the Underground, a sort of slum where untold thousands live out their lives in a kind of indentured servitude, hoping only to escape their all to literal hell. To say more, would give away too much, but the resonances VanderMeer has created with our shared histories should be somewhat clear from this overview. Stylistically, "Veniss Underground" is arranged in a manner that seems almost pretentious at first, but actually proves to be quite effective. The novel is divided into three sections, each devoted to three of the main characters. The first is told in the first person by Nicholas, the instigator of the book's plot, but perhaps the least important character. His voice is that of our most base instincts as humans; he is selfish, utterly self absorbed, and short sighted. As such, the first person is the perfect choice, as we can all see ourselves reflected in his failures. The second section is to told in the second person, which was difficult to adapt to, but nonetheless perfectly chosen. The reason for this is that Nicola, Nicholas' sister, is the purest aspect of a horribly twisted world. While she is ultimately no better than anyone else, she is placed on a pedestal by the use of the second person, and thus becomes objectified as what one aspires to be, or to posses. Nicola's voice is both the most enigmatic and the most effective because she is held above and apart from the fray, even as it swirls around her. Finally, there is the third section which uses the conventional third person to narrate the events; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Zanzibar Chest: A Story of Life, Love, and Death in Foreign Lands; Author: Visit Amazon's Aidan Hartley Page; Review: "The Zanzibar Chest" by Aidan Hartley is a beautifully written memoir of one man's Africa; from the depths of human depravity to the joy of a life lived simply and well. As the child of a British colonial officer, Hartley witnessed firsthand the remarkable changes that Africa has undergone in the latter half of the twentieth century. During his youth his ideal Africa is formed by his father's vision of the continent as a pastoral paradise, and it is through his father that his abiding love of Africa is established. However, as a reporter for Reuters, he has a front row seat to the periodic paroxysms of violence and disease that plague the continent. This dichotomy comes to manifest itself in Hartley himself, as he becomes an adrenaline junkie who, even as he craves the comfort of his native Kenya, is drawn to the brutality of Somalia and Rwanda. In addition to being autobiographical, Hartley attempts to weave in the tale of his father's long deceased best friend, Peter Davey, into his narrative. While interesting in and of itself, this diversion never succeeds in tying in to the main body of the work. Hartley struggles valiantly to draw a comparison between himself and Davey, but the links are tenuous at best. In the end, the reader is left with the indication that if Hartley had been born fifty years earlier, he would have become a man like Davey, but this is a conclusion that is hardly supported by what is revealed about both men. Nonetheless, as I alluded to above, Davey's tale is an intriguing one, and while it is oddly disconnected from the rest of the book, it is still an interesting tale. That said, where the book really shines is in Hartley's descriptions of his life as a journalist. An immensely gifted writer, Hartley succeeds in producing prose that is both descriptive and spare at the same time. Considering his subject matter that is exactly what was called for; the brutality of the Rwandan civil war in large part speaks for itself, Hartley thus generally confines himself to bearing witness. However, when he does offer a more personal view, it is always well chosen to distill an abomination into a single mental snapshot. For example, his description of finding a young boy alive in a mass grave captures the tragedy of central Africa far more effectively than a hundred pages of focused history. Perhaps most compelling, however, is when Hartley turns his considerable talents to introspection. Unlike many combat reporters, he openly admits that he is drawn to the violence. It is clear that this is because Hartley can drown his own demons in the day to day danger and tragedy of combat; it strips away humanity even as it makes relationships all the more intense. Hartley describes how friendships sealed in blood seem oddly stilted and uncomfortable when the danger is removed. Particularly interesting is Hartley's relationship with a female photographer. While there is no doubt that they share a genuine love, it is utterly ruined by their shared; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Oryx and Crake (Random House Large Print); Author: Visit Amazon's Margaret Atwood Page; Review: "Oryx and Crake" is post-apocalyptic fiction in the finest Cold War tradition; while cautionary, it doesn't lecture, and it entertains even as it offers glimpses of something deeper. Set in the not too distant future (roughly the late 21st century), "Oryx and Crake" starts off as the rather traditional narrative of the "last man on earth", in this case Snowman (a.k.a. Jimmy) the slightly addled but utterly sympathetic main character. However, it is quickly set apart by the introduction of the "Crakers" genetically engineered hominids that are true herbivores, and from whom most of the trappings of society have been stripped (art, government, religion, etc.). Thus, instead of humanity hanging on a knife's edge, it instead stands to be gently shoved aside by the benign, but perfectly adapted Crakers. By using the power of genetics, Atwood is able to turn the classic "what if a manmade killer virus got loose?" question on end by changing it into, "what if someone decided to willfully destroy the human race in order to make room for something better?" In this case, the eponymous Crake is a thoroughly brilliant scientist, with dire, if not altogether sinister motives. The boyhood friend of Snowman, he presents an utterly logical faade, even to the point of implying that the planet would be better off without humans. Finally, there is Oryx, who is in many ways a total mystery. While definitely a real person, her history is revealed entirely through Snowman, and it is unclear if it is a reflection of his own emotional issues, or actual fact. In either case, she, along with Snowman and Crake form a quite unintentional holy trinity for the Crakers. The book is arranged in more or less alternating chapters with one set in the present and the other set in Jimmy/Snowman's past. As such, the plot is only fully revealed at the book's conclusion, and I am therefore reluctant to offer much more in the way of a synopsis. That said, there are some elements I can comment on generally without offering any spoilers. The first is that Atwood's writing perfectly suits her subject matter; the rather spare prose of the present tense mirrors the newly emptied world and the simple lives of the Crakers. At the same time, the flashback chapters are intense and descriptive, nicely matching the frenetic waning years of Homo sapiens sapiens. Moreover, Atwood offers just the right amount of descriptive elements for her new world; all too often post-apocalyptic literature bogs down in scene setting, forsaking character development. Fortunately, Atwood wisely offers enough detail to create a fully realized world, but not so much that it cripples the novel's pacing. At the same time the lack of significant temporal or geographic settings allows the reader's imagination significant leeway, which makes the book much more personal in its impact. Finally, Atwood offers a fascinating exploration of humanity as a concept rather than a collection of human beings. She poses numerous questions that range from the moral, for example, is it ethical to make a decision you are certain is; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Separation; Author: Visit Amazon's Christopher Priest Page; Review: Christopher Priest's "The Separation" breaks from the standard Alternate History templates in almost every way possible, and as a result, is superb addition to the genre. I say this because unlike most alternate histories, which focus on story (specifically timeline) to the exclusion of plot and character development, Priest has taken the opposite approach and written a novel that explores ideas and reality within the framework of an alternate history. His world is a tool (albeit a fascinating, well realized one) used to highlight certain salient elements of his narrative. Moreover, Priest leaves his world ambiguous and oddly uncertain. This uncertainty begins with the opening pages of the novel, which at first strike the reader as relatively standard alternate history. It is the early twenty-first century in a world where Britain and Germany signed an armistice in the spring of 1941. Priest quickly frames a believable alternate world without bogging down in the details, and the novel seems set to follow the researches of one Stuart Gratton into the origins of this early peace. Intriguing yes, but hardly surprising or unique for an alternate history. However, that quickly changes as Gratton comes into possession of diaries that reveal the story of an RAF bomber pilot, and it quickly becomes clear that these diaries detail the events of our own world. Thus begins a narrative that weaves back and forth across itself. Through the fascinating lives of J. L. Sawyer, twins who share the same initials, the reader is constantly left wondering what is real and what is imagined. Considering that the reader actually knows which story is true, this is a remarkable accomplishment, and speaks highly to Priest's substantial abilities as a writer. To delve more deeply into the plot would risk spoiling it, but there are numerous elements to this novel that are worth mentioning. The first is it's presentation; Priest deftly switches from the third to the first person, and often interjects "historical" letters and documents to flesh out the narrative. While in less capable hands, this would come across as contrived, here it succeeds nicely in separating the lives of the Sawyer brothers. Which brings us to the literary device of the twins; again, in less capable hands, they could come across as hackneyed, but carefully handled, as they are here, they are an essential and fascinating plot element. Aside from the broadly recognized, if not fully appreciated, bond between twins, Priest explores even deeper elements. His twins, despite being two people seem to be bound to only one destiny. Each has his preferred path, but they are mutually exclusive, and immutable. This tension, although never explicitly stated or explored, informs the entire novel, and is key to Priest's ability to keep the reader wrong-footed for quite literally the entire novel. Finally, this question of destiny brings us to the book's consideration of reality. At times Priest seems to verge on the "multiverse" approach found elsewhere in science fiction; in other words, his world and our own are not exclusive but just two of innumerable possible worlds. Ultimately, however,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Naming of Parts; Author: Visit Amazon's Tim Lebbon Page; Review: First off, this isn't a typical Amazon title, rather it is the product of PS Publishing, which puts out limited, signed editions by various science fiction and fantasy authors. Specifically, "Naming of Parts" was limited to 300 hardcover and another 500 paperback copies, all of which have long since sold out from the publisher. That said, there are copies available on the internet, and should the opportunity to acquire a copy present itself, I would strongly recommend doing so. Generally speaking, I'm not really a fan of zombie fiction (assuming zombie refers to the living dead); the premise strikes me as so absurd, so beyond the realm of possibility, that I just can't suspend my disbelief and enjoy the story. However, in "Naming of Parts", Tim Lebbon had produced a novel that is so perfectly conceived, it is impossible not to be enthralled by it. First and foremost, his narrator is a twelve year old boy, Jack. By telling his tale through Jack's eyes, Lebbon is able heighten the horror of the situation. To a young boy, the world is full of possibilities, many of them grim, and by choosing a boy as his narrative focus, Lebbon is able to strip away the incredulousness of the adult reader. Secondly, Lebbon only alludes to the cause of the zombie infestation without getting into explicit causes. As such, there is the implication that there is a scientific explanation for what happened. In this regard, "Naming of Parts" is strongly reminiscent of Matheson's "I Am Legend" which uses biology to explain vampires. By taking this approach, both authors are able to ground the unbelievable in some semblance of reality, which makes their writing all the more menacing. Finally, Lebbon's zombies are pervasive; everything in nature, from the grass to squirrels to humans is alive in appearance, but already dead inside. There is a sense of winding down, of inertia, about Lebbon's creations. While they are menacing and dangerous in their own right, there is at least the possibility for Jack and his family to carry on because the zombies seem to lose their edge with every passing minute. All of these elements are key to the success of "Naming of Parts", but what really makes it stand out is the relationship between Jack and his parents. Neither a child nor an adult, Jack's in between age makes him perfect main character. In particular, in a world turned on end, Jack both wants to protect and be protect by his parents. In fact, the book takes its title from Jack's attempt to be brave and adult by naming the parts of his fears (i.e. the window blowing, the tree tapping on his window, etc.), but how does one name the unbelievable? Such sentiment could easily be overblown and maudlin, but Lebbon deftly captures the poignancy of this interaction without bogging down in Hallmark card sentiment. The first of a projected four part series for PS Publishing, "Naming of Parts" is a must read for fans of apocalyptic or zombie fiction. Lebbon explores genres that are full; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Schopenhauer's Telescope: A Novel; Author: Gerald Donovan; Review: Gerard Donvan's novel "Schopenhauer's Telescope" take as it's focal point an act that was carried out all too often during Europe's tortured twentieth century: the digging of a mass grave. One would expect that such a setting would provide for a rather limited narrative, but as it turns out, the opposite is true. "Schopenhauer's Telescope" sprawls in every direction, touching upon a host of topics and exploring so many themes that it is sometimes to its detriment. Nonetheless, this is a powerful novel, that succeeds far more often than it fails. The central characters are Baker and Teacher; they share a conversation in an unknown field in an unknown European country as the Baker digs what is clearly intended to be a grave. As I mentioned above, their conversation meanders across a host of topics, but one recurrent theme repeats itself, or perhaps two that intertwine. The theme is history, but the two men have drastically different feelings about what it means and how it should be studied. The Baker views history as an inexorable tide, something to be survived rather than engaged, because survival is the core purpose of his existence. The Teacher, on the other hand, views history as a living, breathing thing; something that cannot be understood in its entirety, but which can be embraced and learned from. While this conversation is fascinating, the most intriguing element of this book is the dichotomy it sets up between the two men. What are their roles? How have they each found their way to this snowy field? The reader is left uncertain as to who holds the power in the relationship until well into the narrative, and even then, one is left to question which man really understands the world, and more importantly, his place in it. Unfortunately, the novel is at times horribly over-written. Donovan enjoys playing with various approaches to his narrative, and generally speaking he is successful. However, there are times when form trumps substance and this can make for tedious reading. Moreover, over the course of two ill-advised segments, he reveals one of the characters (saying which one would be a major spoiler) to be somewhat insane, which significantly curbed any sympathy or compassion I might have felt for him. Moreover, it is difficult to judge the mentally ill for their actions, and the book's endgame suffers somewhat as a result. That said, the positives in "Schopenhauer's Telescope" more than outweigh the negatives. At its best, Donovan's writing borders on poetry, and his style represents a genuinely original voice. This is a novel rich in ideas and philosophy, but it is also a novel that raises more questions than it answers. What is a life well lived? What makes life worth living? Is evil absolute, or does it need to be taken in context? These questions just scratch the surface, and I suspect that additional readings would reveal additional questions, and that furthermore, other readers will take away completely different questions. "Schopenhauer's Telescope" is just one of those books that can be interpreted a dozen different ways; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fuzzy Dice; Author: Paul Di Filippo; Review: First off, this isn't a typical Amazon title, rather it is the product of PS Publishing, which puts out limited, signed editions by various science fiction and fantasy authors. Specifically, "Fuzzy Dice" by Paul Di Filippo was limited to 200 slip-cased hardcovers and another 500 regular hardcover copies, and at the time of this writing, some copies were still available from the publisher. Moreover, there are copies available on the internet, and should the opportunity to acquire a copy present itself, I would strongly recommend doing so. A relatively recent theory in physics suggest that there is not just the one universe in which we reside, but an infinite number of universes that represent an infinite number of possible variations. For example, there is a universe where aliens invaded Earth in 1492 and another where there is no Moon. Of course this represents just the tip of the iceberg, as there are an infinite number of universes that are beyond the abilities of human conception. Conversely, the very fact that one could conceive of a universe means that exists somewhere (or perhaps more accurately, sometime). So a world where a megalomaniacal Mickey Mouse rules Earth from his base on Mars is no more or less likely than one in which the Boston Red Sox never traded Babe Ruth. So when Paul Girard was granted the ability to travel among the universes by a post-human time traveler, he was understandably pleased. Here was an escape from the everyday drudgery of his plainly wasted life. The doorway to the full spectrum of human desire and ambition was placed literally at his fingertip in the form of a yo-yo. Made of "strange matter" drawn from pre-Big Bang space, it will, with a flick of Paul's wrist and a thought of where he wants to go, take him zooming across the multiverse. Unfortunately, as Paul quickly realizes, in a continuum of an infinite number of universes, one should be exceedingly particular about where one wants to go. While you might intend to jump to a world run by the Playboy bunnies, you could very easily end up in a world run by bloodthirsty Amazons. As one might expect, Paul does just that (although under a variety of different circumstances) and pretty much makes a mess out of what should have been the greatest gift ever given to a mortal man. Nonetheless, along the way he inadvertently, and often unwillingly, learns a little something about himself. However, he is routinely thwarted in his efforts to resolve the "Ontological Pickle" as he puts it; simply stated it is, "What started everything?" What came before the Big Bang, or in this instance, what came before all of the Big Bangs? No matter how complex space-time actually is, and no matter how thoroughly it is understood, there has to be an Alpha Point, as it were, a space-time with nothing before it. But if such a place exists, what caused it to spring from nothing into something? It is these questions that gnaw at Paul, and even as he learns; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Keep Dinosaurs; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Mash Page; Review: "How to Keep Dinosaurs" is a must have for any dinosaur lover, because as the author clearly points out (using a handy graphical directory) some dinosaurs are good with babies and others eat babies, and knowing the difference is both critical and not easily discerned. Moreover, some dinosaurs are, er..., more openly amorous than is generally considered tasteful, and others pass worrying amounts of gas. Still others require government permits, so it is best to check local laws and regulations. With tongue planted firmly in cheek Robert Mash has produced a book that is always entertaining, but which is also more informative than he would probably openly admit. "How to Keep Dinosaurs" is broken up into sections such as pets, flying dinosaurs and farmable dinosaurs; one might think of these sections as a cross between the groupings at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and those at a state fair. Within each section Mash then presents a variety of dinosaurs, and cogitates on their relative merits and weaknesses. Each one of these dino bios follows more or less the same approach: a derivation of the creature's name (usually accurately translated, but hilariously misunderstood), a general description of breed characteristics, a synopsis of housing/food requirements, breeding possibilities and finally, where to buy the dinosaur if you are interested. As I alluded to above, each dinosaur also comes with handy quick reference icons for such attributes as "worryingly smart" or "picky eater". While much of what Mash writes is clever fiction, he has generally tried to be as accurate as possible. For example, the smart dinosaurs are generally carnivores, and information about diet and breeding is vague, but will get specific when supported by the fossil record. Furthermore, dinosaurs are always available for purchase where they have been discovered, so Mongolian and North American breeders are heavily represented. It is obvious that Mash didn't pick his dinosaurs at random, but rather tried to make logical choices for his various categories based upon what is know to science. Finally, Mash works in little bits of paleontology's history with such asides as Iguanadons being successfully raised in coal mines in Germany (they were first discovered in a coal mine in Germany). All that said, "How to Keep Dinosaurs" wouldn't be the book it is if it not for the superb illustrations. Photo-realistic dinosaurs veritably leap of the page and are frequently shown happily frolicking with their owners. The illustrations will engage any child, but it would be a mistake to consider this a children's book. The writing is well beyond the abilities of an early reader, and the humor, while by no means offensive, is aimed squarely at adults. So, if you are an adult who has never outgrown your fascination with dinosaurs, and who still whimsically ponders how cool it would be to have your own, this is well written and beautifully illustrated book is a must read. Enjoy! Jake Mohlman; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What Ifs? of American History: Eminent Historians Imagine What Might Have Been; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Cowley Page; Review: Unfortunately, the defining characteristic of the "What If?" series of books (edited by Robert Cowley) is their scattershot approach to alternate history. While the first volume was fairly sound, "What If? 2" and now "What Ifs? of American History" are plagued by uneven quality of writing, questionable conclusions and most surprising, a pronounced lack of allo-historical content. For a series that defines itself by what might have been, the lack of authors willing to make leaps into the future is a serious, perhaps even crippling problem for any future editions. Identifying tipping points is generally well done, but that is something one finds in conventional history; it is projecting a meaningful alternate outcome rooted in historical fact that defines alternate history, and it is that projection that is becoming less prevalent with each passing volume. That said, I don't want to indict every author who contributed to "What Ifs? of American History", as there are some genuinely excellent contributions. However, taken as a whole the seventeen chapters are something of a let down. This is true not least because two of the pieces are reprinted from the original "What If?"; while there is nothing wrong with them in their own right, I find it sorely disappointing that a major hardcover release couldn't drum up new contributions. The problem with many of the contributions is that they find an engaging turning point, and then fail to flesh it out. This is true from the start in "Might the Mayflower Not have Sailed?" which makes a compelling case that this was possible, and outlines significant consequences, but never ties them together to paint a cohesive portrait of how a different America might have evolved. "The Northwest Conspiracy" is another work that is admirable for a number of reasons. First, it identifies a relatively obscure event (which always make for the most interesting divergences), and secondly, it offers a superb overview of the gross violations of the Constitution committed by the Lincoln administration during the Civil War. Nonetheless, the speculation never evolves into genuine alternate history, and therefore the piece is something of a let down. Finally, there is "The Revolution of 1877" which does delve into some alternate history, but which could have been fleshed out to even greater effect. "William Pitt the Elder and the Avoidance of the American Revolution" has the opposite problem as it draws conclusions that are to my mind entirely unsupportable. Carr's portrait of the British Empire as a force for benevolent change doesn't seem to be born out in the historical record. The same is true of "JFK Lives" which seems all to ready to ignore Kennedy's cynical manipulation of Cold War politics to his own ends, his relative clumsiness in foreign policy, his hawkish advisors and his indifference to any real momentum in the civil rights movement. Finally, there is "Joe McCarthy's Secret Life" which while somewhat allo-historical is really more of a secret history. An amusing, tongue in cheek look at one of America's most loathsome politicians, but not really alternate history. Next are three works; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead; Author: Visit Amazon's Max Brooks Page; Review: Let's face it: at one time or another we've all faced a zombie scare we aren't prepared for. And yes, the local constabulary usually cleans things up with a minimum of fuss, but what happens when things go wrong and the cavalry doesn't arrive? That, my friends, is the day that Max Brooks' "The Zombie Survival Guide" saves your life. With several millennia worth of field experience distilled into a manageable 254 pages, everything you need to know to survive the coming war with the undead can be found in these pages. Your life and the lives of those you love are at stake, act now and be prepared! OK, so that paragraph was obviously tongue in cheek, but hopefully in conveys some sense of what Brooks' remarkable "The Zombie Survival Guide" is like. While obviously a parody of both the horror genre and civil defense/survivalist manuals, it maintains an "all-business" demeanor, never once cracking the faade to reveal the underlying humoristic intent. The result is a book that is, when taken as a whole, a funny, incredibly thorough work of satire. However, at the same time, page-by-page, it is a rather accomplished addition to zombie horror. Starting with zombie physiology and then moving on to weapons, tactics, long-term strategy and history Brooks has produced a manual which has a thoroughness that belies the absurdity of its subject. Point by point he discusses the pros and cons of rifles, machetes and flamethrowers, then considers the optimal defensive positions for various types of outbreaks. After an extensive discussion of survival in a zombie doomsday scenario, he lays out zombie outbreaks through history, and what their implications are. Throughout, entries are extensively cross-referenced and alternative courses of action are always weighed for potential risks and benefits. The remarkable thing about all this is that Brooks has managed to infuse a tension, and urgency into his manual that makes for great reading. Part post-apocalyptic fiction, part "Night of the Living Dead" and part "Saturday Night Live" sketch, this is a book that should hold appeal across a broad range of genres. Thorough without being dry, creepy without being clichd, and funny without relying on cheap laughs, "The Zombie Survival Guide" is undoubtedly one of the most original books I have ever read, and one that I enjoyed reading immensely. If you appreciate any or all of these genres, or if you just enjoy a well executed, original idea, this is definitely a book you'll want to check out. And remember...Tomorrow may be too late, read this book today! Jake Mohlman; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Camp Concentration: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas M. Disch Page; Review: "Camp Concentration" plays on some familiar themes: government subverting the will of the people, technology as mechanism of human downfall, to name two. As such, one might be tempted to pass it by, which would be a terrible mistake. Thomas Disch has produced a novel that is perhaps unique in Cold War fiction, for even as it decries the folly of military adventurism (in the form of a war in Malaysia which has presumably spread from Vietnam) it also considers the individual's culpability in national mistakes. Ultimately, he questions whether principled, but passive, opposition is just that, or if it is a form of ego not far removed from the motivations of those who are being protested. Set in a secret government installation, "Camp Concentration" consists of the journal of Louis Sacchetti, a conscientious objector and prisoner, not to mention poet, who has been brought in to document the installation with a critical, but unscientific eye. The reason for this is that the population of this installation (except for administrators and staff) have been injected with Pallidine, a substance derived from syphilis that grants vastly expanded mental capabilities even as it ultimately kills the recipient.. Needless to say, those who receive it are being used to develop super-weapons, although they have other ideas. To offer any more than this brief sketch would surely spoil the plot, but it is the subtext that makes this a superb novel. First is the fascinating, and entirely unexpected, consideration of religion. Sacchetti, who is something of a born again Catholic, suffuses his journal with religious references. Moreover, the Pallidine is clearly and allegory for the Forbidden Fruit, the source of both enlightenment and death. However, the consideration of religion is far more free-ranging than simple metaphor, as Disch lays out a compelling, if oblique argument, that if God is dead or absent, it is because we offer no opportunity for Him to act through us. Hence, it isn't enough to decry injustice, one must actively subvert it. At the same time, there is a countervailing theme of the question of motivation: do the ends justify the means? Normally, this is an intriguing, if somewhat shopworn, focal point for a novel, but when set as a dichotomy with religion, it makes for fascinating reading. Finally, several reviewers question the ending of the book. While I empathize with their reaction, I think there is a point, a denouement in the literal sense of the word, which is being missed. This is because Sacchetti's fate (with out giving anything away) joins the two threads of the book, morality and expediency, as it were, in a conclusion that is satisfying, but also open to discussion or even rebuttal. I frequently struggle with fiction from the Cold War era (that deals with it explicitly) because it is almost always black and white: one is in favor of nuking Russia or totally against the "illegal" war in Vietnam. There is never any middle ground, any room for debate, and intelligent conversation is stifled as a result. Fortunately, in "Camp Concentration" Disch followed; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Yom Kippur War: The Epic Encounter That Transformed the Middle East; Author: Visit Amazon's Abraham Rabinovich Page; Review: In reading military history, one will often find that all human perspective is drowned in tactics and weapons systems or, conversely, that human elements have distracted the author and overwhelmed the war's place in history. This can be especially true in regard to the wars of Israel because there is such an intense emotion surrounding them. Happily, Abraham Rabinovich has avoided both of these problems with his masterful "The Yom Kippur War". Moreover, he succeeds admirably in placing the war with in the broader context of the region and the times. What makes "The Yom Kippur War" so successful is that Rabinovich captures and dissects all of the elements necessary to look at the war not just as a series of battles, but as a subject worthy of historical study. These might be described as the prologue, the war itself (battles, casualties, personalities, etc.), battlefield innovation (tactics and weapons), geopolitics and historical perspective. Alone, each area is well researched and written, combined they form one of the most effective and impressive military histories one is likely to encounter. By defining the Yom Kippur War as a product of numerous clashes dating back to Israel's founding, Rabinovich transcends a simple narrative of events and forces the reader to consider the root causes of the conflict, and how those causes dictated its course. One simple example is how Israel's stunning victory in The Six Day War lead to an institutional arrogance that meant they started the war poorly deployed and with limited ability to improvise in its early days. Moreover, Rabinovich does a nice job of capturing the Arab, and particularly the Egyptian, point of view. Unlike previous Arab military misadventures, The Yom Kippur War was based more upon the demands of realpolitik and less upon ideology than ever before. Egypt took a calculated roll of the dice, and in spite of taking a beating, over time accomplished all of their goals as a result. Tactically, The Yom Kippur War set a new standard for ferocity and violence in a relatively compact area. Never before had so much firepower been deployed so quickly and to such great effect. In particular, the massive deployment of RPG's and precision anti-tank weapons marked a genuine revolution in military affairs that rocked Israel to its very core. However, Rabinovich indicates a deft grasp of the rapid vacillations between offense and defense as he revisits the roles and interactions of infantry and tank time and again. Moreover, his purview isn't limited to tactics alone as he lays out a litany of failures in Israel's grand strategy which included such basic errors as a failure to dictate the shape of the battlefield by trading land for time, the failure to exploit greater maneuverability in flanking attacks, and the failure to concentrate armor at the critical point. All of these lapses would be glaring in most any army, but in Israel, where the tank reigned supreme, they were unforgivable. Likewise, he considers similar interactions between the fighter-bomber and the SAM at both the tactical and strategic level. However, as I said; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Thackery T. Lambshead Pocket Guide to Eccentric & Discredited Diseases; Author: Kage Baker; Review: Normally, when a person reviews a book, they aren't actually reviewing "the book" but the ideas contained therein. And normally, such a semantic quibble would be absurd, but in the case of "The Thackery T. Lambshead Pocket Guide to Eccentric & Discredited Diseases" it holds some merit. Because not only does it contain a fascinating selection of the bizarre from a remarkably talented group of authors, but it compiles their writings in a visually stunning collection that beautifully mimics the style, and rather drolly the content, of a Victorian Era monograph. The basic premise of the Guide is that it is the long running publication of the eponymous Dr. Lambshead, who specializes in bizarre diseases. Moreover, the esteemed Dr. Lambshead is 102 years old, and his guide focuses on diseases that are, shall we say, beyond the pale of modern medicine. From Bone Leprosy to Wife Blindness there isn't an eccentric or discredited disease uncovered by such medical luminaries as Jeff Vandermeer, Paul Di Fillipo, China Mieville and K. J. Bishop (to name a few). The book begins with two introductions, one from Lambshead and one from the editors, both of which are hilarious. The book concludes with entries from past guides, as well as remembrances from Lambshead's associates, a history of the guide and biographies of each of the contributors (in doctor manifestation, of course). However, the obvious reason to read the Guide is the meat between these two pieces of bread: the diseases. Each author spends anywhere from two to four pages detailing the history, cause and treatment of their own particular disease. It would be impossible to consider each contribution here, and would spoil the fun of the book for other readers, but there are a few highlights worth mentioning just to offer the flavor of the Guide. First up is Michael Barry's "Ballistic Organ Syndrome" which should be self-explanatory, and which nicely sets the tone for the rest of the Guide. China Mieville's "Buscard's Murrain" is the first (and best) of several literary, or word based, diseases; it's characterized by his dry wit and excellent use of language and tone. Michael Cisco's "Clear Rice Syndrome" has an almost Lovecraft-ian feel, and is one of several contributions that could easily be fleshed out into something longer. John Coulthart's "Printer's Evil" is cleverly placed within historical context and is superbly printed (more on this later). Finally, there is "Tian Shan-Gobi Assimilation" by Jeff Vandermeer; not only is it another disease that could easily turn into something bigger, but it echoes numerous themes in his Ambergris work (without explicitly tying back to them) and will thus be a particular treat for fans of his work. These are just a few of the many great contributions to the Guide, and my failure to mention others shouldn't be treated as an indictment, but rather as an acknowledgement of the consistently high standard of writing displayed throughout the guide. As one can discern, the writing more than justifies the purchase price of the Guide, but what clinches it is the superb quality of the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883; Author: Visit Amazon's Simon Winchester Page; Review: In "Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded" Simon Winchester has produced a comprehensive account of one of the most widely known, but perhaps least understood, natural disasters of the last 200 years. While his account often drifts far afield of the title material, he has a knack for always finding his way back to the topic at hand. Which is a good thing because that topic, the largest explosion ever recorded by modern man and one that was responsible for the death of 36,000 people, is more than ample material for any book's purview. What makes Winchester's writing appealing is that he uses the more conversational narrative style that has become the preferred approach in popular history and science today; one might call in the Stephen Ambrose Effect. Winchester largely paints his story with a broad brush (albeit across a host of topics), and as such, those who may be intimidated by science writing shouldn't avoid "Krakatoa". While the author does delve into a large variety of scientific disciplines, he is at heart a teacher, and the passion he has for the subject matter comes through as he strips down potentially complicated subjects to their basic elements. That said, Winchester by no means "dumbs down" his material. His explanation of the geological pressures that created and ultimately lead to the demise of Krakatoa are comprehensive and detailed. Rather, he presents this material in a manner that is approachable for those without much of a scientific background, without detracting from it intellectually. As such, those (like myself) who are more disposed to a scientific bent should be no more discouraged from reading "Krakatoa" than those who are not. Winchester has basically laid out an intellectual smorgasbord and leaves it for the reader to determine how much they will consume. The beauty of the "Krakatoa" (much like Robert Zubrin's on space exploration) is that the reader can skim the heavier science without losing the narrative flow. What makes the book most appealing, though, is how Winchester vividly describes the eruption and then most importantly places it within a historical context. This seems to be the area where some readers have felt he bogged down, but his descriptions of the region, its fauna and peoples, including a detailed consideration of Dutch colonial rule, provide critical information for understanding the scope and impact of the disaster. In particular, his descriptions of the impact of the eruption on the rise of a more militant brand of Islam in Indonesia were particularly engaging, and eminently logical in spite of the seeming stretch. Moreover, this historical element accomplishes two things. The first is to put a human face on the tragedy: with 36,000 victims it is easy to lose one's frame of reference for the scale of the tragedy and suffering. By including individual stories, including background, Winchester is able to humanize what otherwise has the potential to be a statistic. The second is that it allows Winchester to explore the eruption not just as an event, but as a catalyst for the scientific community that had a host; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival; Author: Visit Amazon's Dean King Page; Review: "Skeletons on the Zahara" by Dean King reflects a recent trend in history writing towards more personal, localized discussions of history. Books like "Twelve Days of Terror", "The Devil in the White City" and "Krakatoa" taken events that were enormously important when they occurred, but which have, over time, faded into vague remembrance. By looking at these forgotten events, the author has an opportunity to not only tell and original story, but also reflect upon the era as a whole, and draw conclusions about how it shaped, and was shaped by, the event in question. Handled poorly, this approach can feel severely contrived, as the writer attempts to shoehorn a host of effects into his ill-fitting cause. However, when done successfully, as is the case with "Skeletons on the Zahara", the author brings a unique perspective to the period, while engaging the reader with new adventures. In fact, if nothing else, this is an adventure story, detailing the appalling and yet somehow inspiring story of sailors shipwrecked on the North African coast and captured into slavery. King sets the stage, by explaining the disastrous consequences the War of 1812 had on the commercial shipping industry in New England, and how limited prospects on land and potentially rich rewards at sea drove men to a life of danger and separation from their families. Offering personal glimpses into the lives of Captain James Riley and his crew, he paints a portrait of ambitious men, living life on the edge between prosperity and destitution. At the same, he offers a glimpse into the life of a merchant on the Sahara, where not just material wealth but life and health itself is determined by the desert's fickle and unrelentingly brutal conditions. By juxtaposing lifestyles that couldn't be more different except of their common precariousness, the author nicely sets the stage for the clash of cultures to come. When Riley wrecks along the coast of Africa he and his crew find themselves in a world as alien as that of another planet. As they are placed into bondage, there world is literally turned upside down; as white New Englanders they may not have been pro-slavery, but they certainly never anticipated being held in servitude to Africans. Over the following months, Riley, in a remarkable display of leadership and loyalty to his crew manages to wheedle, cajole and bluff their way to salvation even as they suffer horrendously at the hands of their captors and the elements. While the story of survival is remarkable in and of itself, the glimpse King offers into a time and place most modern American's are entirely familiar with is fascinating. Operating within a clan based feudal system, North Africa in the early nineteenth century was a place of shifting, capricious alliances, where attention to personal survival and aggrandizement were crucial. Although he couldn't have been aware of the labyrinthine political systems he was ensnared in, Riley and his crew on more than one occasion almost sparked open war. However, it is in placing Riley's narrative within the larger historical context that King's; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Secret Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff VanderMeer Page; Review: There are many things that are remarkable about Jeff VanderMeer's newest collection "Secret Life", but what is perhaps most remarkable is how in spite of a host of different subjects and thematic approaches, it still fits together as a whole. What exactly that "whole" is is open to question, but whatever it is, it certainly represents arguably the most unique, and certainly one of the most exciting, voices in fiction today. Actually, it should come as no surprise that VanderMeer can weave so many disparate parts into something comprehensive; while there may be writers with more innate talent, I find it hard to believe that any author is more dedicated to the actual craft of writing. This comes through not only in the insightful endnotes that accompany each story, but also in writing that has plainly been pored over and molded to perfection, much like the mantle being chipped away from a gemstone to reveal the hard, perfect core. With twenty-one stories that are not directly (but certainly thematically) linked, it would be difficult to review "Secret Life" in its entirety in the space available. Instead, a few general comments, and then some brief comments on a few of the best pieces. First, for those readers who have already encountered VanderMeer's other work, this volume will be a particular treat. Both Ambergris and the world from "Veniss Underground" are heavily represented, but what makes these stories particularly intriguing is that they represent various stages in each world's evolution. For example, "Learning to Leave the Flesh" is set in an Ambergris, but it is not the Ambergris which so delighted readers in "City of Saints and Madmen". There are familiar elements, but it is much more like our own world the baroque marvel that it becomes. Conversely, "Corpse Mouth and Spore Nose" contain very familiar Ambergris elements, but seems to be set long after the era of "City of Saints and Madmen". Even more provoking is the development of the Veniss world. The first, "The Sea, Mendeho, and Moonlight" was written when VanderMeer was only seventeen, which is impressive. However, it is only when this story is bumped up against "Balzac's War" which happens hundreds, over even thousands, of years later, can the true breadth of VanderMeer's creative vision be realized. There are also several stories written in the second person, which, while the author never specifically mentions it, must of have contributed immensely to his ability to write the perfectly executed second section of "Veniss Underground". As for specific stories, there are those who may think this is a cop out, but the best was probably the title piece, "Secret Life". Set in an office building that is a world unto itself, the story is perhaps most engaging for how it makes the mundane seem bizarre and new. Moreover, layered over this bustling little world is the author's characteristic wit, poking fun at the absurdity of the modern workplace, while not being so condescending as to deny it's not something we all need to do. Ultimately, it's a story about seeing the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Behemoth: B-Max; Author: Visit Amazon's Peter Watts Page; Review: Before I can review the content of Peter Watts' "Behemoth: B-Max" there are two facts I need to mention. The first is that it represents the third book of a trilogy, and I would strongly recommend one tackle the first two volumes ("Starfish" and "Maelstrom") before reading this one. The second is that "Behemoth" should be one six hundred page book, but because of trends in the publishing industry it's being published as two separate volumes. The author is completely forthright about this fact, and I believe him when he says that this was not his preferred method of publication. Because of this approach, precious little is resolved in this first volume; so if you aren't a fan of cliff hangers, you might want to wait until "Behemoth: Seppuku" is published in late 2004/early 2005 to read this volume. For those of you who are new to the series, here is a brief synopsis that should tell you whether or not these books are for you. Essentially, the story arc is about evolution: human, animal and electronic. By mixing a blend of biology, computer science and chaos theory, Watts has created a near future Earth where man is simultaneously at the height of his powers and walking the knife's edge of total ecological failure. In an effort to maintain the high standard of Western living mankind has turned to deep sea geothermal power to meet their energy needs. Miles below the ocean, specially engineered humans culled from the dregs of society maintain these power plants. However, what no one could have expected was that they would encounter an organism that would unleash an apocalypse. Part hard science-fiction, part post-apocalyptic, the first two books represent a genuinely original voice in the genre. All that said, "Behemoth" represents another superb piece of writing by Watts; it contains all the tension and fascinating science of the earlier volumes, but also displays his increasing talent. The structure of the book is more sophisticated and subtle than the previous volumes, and I say this not to criticize the earlier books, but to highlight the strengths of this one. Set five years after the events of "Maelstrom", "Behemoth" finds the remaining rifters and the surviving North American elite living in an uneasy truce on the floor of the Atlantic. Presumably safe from the disease that is ravaging the rest of the world, they have managed to come to an accommodation that allows everyone to live and let live. Foremost among the rifters are Lubin, the one time spy, and Lenie Clarke, the Meltdown Madonna herself. Opposite them is Patricia Rowan, their one time nemesis and sometime ally. Alone, they might have formed a shifting but stable triangle; however, their constituents, particularly the more militant rifters, force a situation that is never far from open warfare. This dichotomy is beautifully executed by Watts, and represents a shift in his approach. Where much of the tension in the prior two books was environmental, in "Behemoth" he has created a human drama that surpasses its astonishing location. In contrast from the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brimstone (Pendergast, Book 5); Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas Preston Page; Review: After a somewhat disappointing "Still Life with Crows" I approached "Brimstone" with a bit of trepidation. I was worried that Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child may have lost their knack for coming up with original plots in a genre that trends towards the mediocre. Moreover, I was afraid that they had wrung all they could out of their signature character, Special Agent Pendergast, leaving him a rather boring cliché. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth as "Brimstone" is their strongest novel since "The Ice Limit". Infused with a darker edge, and a palpable spirit of malevolence, that is quite successfully maintained throughout the numerous plot twists, "Brimstone" is a genuinely superb thriller. As I mentioned above, "Brimstone" once again finds Pendergast investigating a murder that seems tied to the occult. Specifically, he is investigating the bizarre death of art critic Jeremy Grove, who has been found burned to death in a room untouched by fire. Adding to the mystery is the overpowering stench of sulfur and what appears to be a cloven hoof burned into the floor. To assist in his investigation, Pendergast calls upon Vincent D'Agosta, previously seen in "Relic" and "Reliquary", who has been languishing in the Southampton Police Department after an abortive turn as a novelist. As more victims fall prey to the seemingly demonic killer, and as the public begins to see the murders as Scripture fulfilled, the two investigators race against the clock to solve Preston and Child's most puzzling mystery yet. That stated, what makes "Brimstone" so successful is that Preston and Child manage to weave in a much larger set of plot lines, characters and settings than usual. Whereas in "Still Life with Crows" the question of Pendergast's ward, Constance, was blatantly tacked on in a form of in novel advertising, in "Brimstone" she actually has a role to play and fits much better within the structure of the book. Likewise, even though the supernatural thriller element is always paramount, the authors are quite successful in blending in elements of espionage, international assassins and history, the result of which is perhaps their richest, most complex novel to date. Finally, a significant portion of the action takes place overseas, which creates an intriguing dichotomy of Pendergast being more in his element culturally, but significantly weakened for not being on his home turf. Furthermore, Lincoln and Child gleefully (but entirely respectfully) draw upon their literary heroes such as Poe and Lovecraft. The result is a novel that has much of the style and menace of these two authors, while incorporating the genuinely fresh take that one expects from these two authors. As such, I can wholeheartedly endorse "Brimstone" as a superb return to form for Preston and Child. It is perhaps their darkest novel to date, and infuses the character of Pendergast with new life, and more importantly, new mysteries. For loyal readers, some questions will be resolved, but far more will be left unanswered, as what one might call the "Pendergast Mythos" continues to evolve. "Brimstone" has vaulted to the top of my list; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Some Will Not Die; Author: Algis J. Budrys; Review: There are many problems with Algis Budrys' "Some Will Not Die" but first and foremost is that the author doesn't seem to be at all sure what it is he wants to write. At some times, Budrys is writing a sort of "future history", at others a political thriller, and still others a rather mundane post-apocalyptic thriller. While the last of these is the primary genre in which one would place the book, the lack of focus results in a thoroughly disjointed novel. It begins conventionally enough (following a prologue set some years later) with a super-plague, possibly developed by one of the competing parties of the Cold War, tearing through the U.S. and presumably, the rest of the world. The reader follows the path of Matt Garvin, a young survivor who strives to make a life for himself in an emptied on Manhattan. As the book progresses, the reader is offered glimpses of various stages of Matt and his family's life, alternating with the plot line from the prologue. Unfortunately, this approach in a fairly short novel leads to a pronounced lack of character development and plot twists that seem almost random. Moreover, there is only the vaguest connection between the prologue and the main body of the text, which makes for jarring transitions. To his credit, Budrys does introduce some interesting theories regarding the development of civilization and the allocation of labor, but they are rarely well integrated into the plot, and therefore come across more like lecturing than story telling. Finally, the conclusions of both sections are so overwrought as to be almost laughable. Ultimately, this isn't a terrible book, but it's not a very good one either. The character development is weak, and breaks off just when it is getting interesting. In addition, there is no unifying theme to the work, and finally, the book is riddled with typos. If you are a big fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, it may be worth reading if for no other reason than its premise is largely believable, which is rare in a genre riddled with absurdity. If you are indifferent to post-apocalyptic fiction, I would pass on "Some Will Not Die" as it doesn't have anything to offer when removed from the context of the genre. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Day of the Triffids (Popular Penguins); Author: Visit Amazon's John Wyndham Page; Review: "The Day of the Triffids" by John Wyndham seems to be a forgotten child of the post-apocalyptic genre. I'm not sure if this is due to it's relatively unorthodox premise, or it's somewhat dated take on gender roles, but either reason is, frankly, dead wrong as this is an amazing book that ranks with "On the Beach" and "Alas, Babylon" as a cornerstone of the genre. With a premise that is both utterly unique and rich in metaphor, and characters that are charged with emotion, it is a truly gripping read. What sets "The Day of the Triffids" apart from other books in the genre is its two tiered approach to the end of the world. The first revolves around the eponymous Triffids, which are mobile, semi-carnivorous plants which are presumed to be the result of Soviet genetic tampering. While one would expect that they would be treated as a scourge, quite the opposite occurs as mankind farms them for the rich oils they produce. Thus, is the hubris of man framed quite nicely, and the pieces put in play. For the triffids are only benign so long as man can control them; when left to their own devices they grow an intensely venomous lash that can kill a full grown human. When a bizarre stellar event leaves everyone who witnessed it blind, the time of the triffids is suddenly at hand. To go further would risk spoiling the plot, but as the few sighted survivors struggle to make sense of, and survive in, their greatly altered world, the triffids become the foremost obstacle to their continued existence. Thus, "The Day of the Triffids" stands quite nicely as a post-apocalyptic thriller. However, it is what is going on between the lines that makes this a classic. First is the obvious comparison between the triffids and the Soviets. Not only did the latter create the former, but the swarming, relentless approach of the triffids nicely mirrors the Western view of Soviet expansions in the 1950's. However, unlike many Cold War era authors, Wyndham's view of the world is not entirely black and white. While the Soviet system may be the enemy, and not one he wants to live under, he doesn't remove all blame from the West. By their very response to Soviet moves he sees a world made less, not more safe, and one that is walking a knife's edge over the abyss. Ultimately though, he sees hope for mankind because even as it teeters on the brink of extinction, he anticipates the ability to learn and grow from the mistakes of the past. His rather prescient views of the use of space and bio-technology offer hope, but only if used responsibly, and therefore "The Day of the Triffids" is as much a cautionary tale, somewhat in the vein of a "Jurassic Park", as it is a post-apocalyptic thriller. Finally, there is a small but very noticeably element that infuses much of the first half of the novel. Time and again, Wyndham has his characters assuming that the Americans will be along; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History; Author: Visit Amazon's John M. Barry Page; Review: As one might expect, John M. Barry's "The Great Influenza" offers a thorough scientific review of the influenza virus that so ravaged the globe in 1918-19. What makes it a truly superb history though, is it's comprehensive review of the surrounding international, cultural and political factors that made served to create a viral "perfect storm". Moreover, he offers comprehensive biological profiles of all of the medical giants who strove mightily to combat a largely unknown opponent. First and foremost, "The Great Influenza" is a scientific history, and as such, Barry offers a thorough introduction into the influenza virus, and the associated bio-chemistry of viral replication and transmission. While some science background will make the material more approachable, Barry nonetheless has done an admirable job of presenting complex technical information in relatively straightforward language. He goes on to review principles of epidemiology, and offers a fascinating review of the birth of scientific medicine in America. However, the science that infuses the book is only the first step in understanding the nature and course of the pandemic. Barry delves into the history of World War I at some length in order to explain how wartime censorship severely hampered the response to the growing threat. The most obvious example of the impact of this censorship is reflected in the pandemic being referred to as the Spanish Flu; in reality the flu probably developed in Kansas, but as a neutral country, Spain's uncensored press was the first to openly report the disease, and hence a epidemiological red herring was created. Likewise, he discusses how the political patronage of the Democratic political machines of the major Eastern cities resulted in massively incompetent public health officials. When combined with packed living conditions, and the general squalor of many urban districts, influenza and associated secondary infections had free reign in places like Philadelphia and Boston. Finally, wartime demands meant hundreds of thousands of men packed into poorly planned and constructed camps, which proved to be perfect incubators for disease. This circumstance was further aggravated by the War Department's complete unwillingness to halt troop movements in the face of the disease, thereby spreading the virus through the body of the nation via railroad. At the same time, Barry is highly effective in distilling the consequences of such a massive event. Among other things, the virus decimated the combatants in France, and undoubtedly contributed to the end of World War I. Moreover, it took its toll on the negotiators in Versailles, including Woodrow Wilson. In fact, it may have so weakened Wilson that it contributed to his capitulation on the matter of reparations and war guilt, and Barry offers a fascinating argument that it may have contributed to his stroke a few months later. Finally, Barry's discussion of the virus' impact and what it means for the modern world is nothing short of chilling. While traditional estimates indicate a death toll of roughly twenty million, Barry offers a compelling argument that the death toll was at least fifty million, and possibly as high as one hundred million. Perhaps even more grim,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cloud Atlas; Author: Visit Amazon's David Mitchell Page; Review: When David Mitchell burst upon the literary scene with his remarkable first novel, "Ghostwritten", it was clear that not only was he a great talent, but that he would redefine what constituted a novel. With his fascinating interweaving of seemingly disparate tales he created a whole new view of the plotline. With his follow-up, "Number9Dream" he moved in a different direction as he toyed with concepts of reality and time. Now in his third novel, "Cloud Atlas" the reader is treated to a fusion of these elements as well as a more sophisticated layering of deeper themes. In composition, "Cloud Atlas" is at least superficially similar to "Ghostwritten" as, like the previous work, it is comprised of six largely disparate plotlines that nonetheless share subtle connections. However, the similarities end there for several reasons. The first is that each of the sub-stories in "Cloud Atlas" stands alone as a novella, whereas in "Ghostwritten" the different vignettes couldn't really be treated as discrete works. Secondly, "Cloud Atlas" spans an enormous period of time, so the connections are far less tangible than they are in "Ghostwritten". Finally, and most importantly, five of the six plotlines are chopped in half, so that the reader moves forward in time reading each halfway, then reading the entirety of the sixth, only to boomerang back through time to the eventual conclusion of the first piece. If that sounds jarring or potentially confusing, it can be, but it is also necessary for the core focus of "Cloud Atlas", human progress, beliefs, and ultimately hope. One has an expectation that as society advances it advances for the better, both in terms of human comfort and compassion. However, Mitchell's cautionary writing reveals that "progress" is not easily defined, is not always for the best, but isn't entirely for the worst either. From the nineteenth century South Pacific, to 1930's Belgium, to 1970's San Francisco to modern day England, to a 22nd or 23rd century Korean superpower and finally to a post-apocalyptic Hawaii of the distant future, Mitchell spins together a dizzying array of characters, themes and settings into this one overarching discussion. As I mentioned above, it is perhaps most impressive that each section stands so successful on its own. One might expect such an unorthodox book to be successful as a whole, but somewhat less polished when broken down into its constituent parts, but in the case of "Cloud Atlas" that is entirely untrue. The tale of Adam Ewing reads exactly like a travelogue of the 1800's, replete with the style and worldview of the day. Robert Frobisher's bleak post-World War I Belgium likewise captures the feel and literature of the day. Luisa Rey's investigation into a 1970's nuclear power plant displays all of the noir-ish self-righteousness of post-Watergate fiction and Timothy Cavendish's misadventures beautifully sum up our rather self-absorbed era and the self created problems we bemoan. However, it is the final two stories that are the most remarkable. The first of these (the fifth overall) is "An Orison of Sonmi-451" which contains the first person recounting of the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: McSweeney's Enchanted Chamber of Astonishing Stories; Author: Michael Chabon; Review: In his excellent introduction to "McSweeney's Enchanted Chamber of Astonishing Stories", Michael Chabon decries what one might call the "genre-fication" of modern literature. He quite rightly points out that there is romance in the fantastic, science fiction in the literary, mystery in romance, etc., etc. It is therefore the stated ambition of this collection to gather authors who would otherwise not be lined up side by side, in an effort to blur these distinctions of genre, and introduce the reader to new styles and authors. I am glad to report that the result is spectacularly successful. While there is no connection between the stories, the uniformly excellent writing and passion displayed by the contributors results in a collection of diverse entries that somehow works as a whole. The collection begins with Margaret Atwood's "Lusus Naturae" which immediately captures the spirit of the book with a romantic/gothic/science fiction entry. An ideal first piece, it sets the tone for the subsequent entries. Next is the remarkable David Mitchell with "What You Do Not Know You Want"; a noir-ish mystery with a supernatural twist. Readers of his recent "Cloud Atlas" will particularly enjoy this entry as it definitely echoes the themes and settings of that work. Moreover, like Atwood's entry, this blurring of genres adds to the cohesiveness of the work as a whole. Jonathan Lethem's "Vivian Relf" carries things forward with an enigmatic romance written in a literary style. It is a classic short story, and a good change of pace which keeps the reader on their toes. Next is "Minnow" by Ayelet Waldman which probably had more of an impact on me than any other stories. It would be difficult to go into detail without spoiling the plot, but the themes surrounding parenthood are somehow both disturbing and reassuring at the same time. "Zeroville" by Steve Erickson just might be my favorite entry. His tale of a door hidden across the breadth of cinema, and just what it means, is fascinating and perfectly executed. In "Lisey in the Madman", Stephen King proves that he is still the master of scene setting; no one can make you feel the heat of a noonday sun like him. However, this is also an interesting psychological/supernatural thriller, and if he does flesh it out into a novel (as is suggested) it could prove to be a remarkable work. "7C" blends hard science fiction and romance in perhaps the most original entry in the book. It's rare that quantum physics makes for exciting reading, but author Jason Roberts pulls it off nicely. "The Miniaturist" by Heide Julavits is reminiscent of a "Twilight Zone" episode with all of the macabre scene setting and bizarre conclusion one would expect. "The Child" by Roddy Doyle is an excellent companion piece as it has the same sort of feel, but the motivations are far more vague and the twist at the end definitely leaves open a host of interpretations. "Delmonico" by Daniel Handler offers another nice change of pace in a fun little mystery that reads like a magic trick. The next; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Virtues of War: A Novel of Alexander the Great; Author: Visit Amazon's Steven Pressfield Page; Review: In his fourth novel, "Virtues of War" Stephen Pressfield has proven that he is a master at blending history with fiction. As with his previous novels, Pressfield has taken events from ancient Greece, in this case the life of Alexander the Great, and woven them together with threads and voices of his own creation to produce a fictional, but startlingly real, tale. What sets apart "Virtues of War" from his prior novels is the author's relentless focus; much like his subject, Pressfield has stripped away the fat and driven the story forward at a relentless pace. This is due in part to the use of the first person; the historical Alexander was a man whose reach always exceeded his grasp, and as such he was driven forward when other men would have stopped to enjoy the fruits of their accomplishments. As such, Pressfield couldn't dally in his telling, as long winded considerations of campaigns and locales, while perhaps fascinating in their own right, would have been at odds with Alexander's vision. This focus is revealed most obviously in the almost complete absence of any discussion of the campaign into and out of Egypt. Like Alexander, Pressfield's narrative eyes Persia and points east, and all other campaigns are treated as extraneous. As always, Pressfield has a rare gift for describing the dust and mayhem of an ancient battlefield, but in "Virtues of War" he nicely sets this at odds with Alexander's strategic and tactical brilliance. Without bogging the reader down in a lot of technical details, he is able to portray how Alexander is able to dictate the course of the battle through his dispositions and planning, even as the issue on the ground is always a sword's breadth away from turning against him. This contrast between order and chaos infuses the narrative, and mirrors Alexander's own personal torments. Which brings us to the book's high point, Pressfield's portrayal of Alexander. He rather cleverly frames this enigmatic figure as someone who is possessed, or perhaps in more modern terms, plagued by a split personality. There is Alexander the man, even Alexander the solider, who is driven by great ambition, but who is possessed of some self control and human frailty. However, there is also Alexander's inner daimon, which is much colder, much more calculating. It will stop at nothing to achieve its ends, even if it destroys the humanity of its host in the process. This internal dichotomy is a clever narrative device which both frames the seeming mental imbalance of the historical Alexander, while setting him apart from the lesser mortals who are his compatriots. There is also a cautionary element in Pressfield's writing; a significant portion of the novel deals with the pacification of Afghanistan. While historically accurate, the metaphor to America's War on Terror is obvious as Alexander is sucked into a vortex of brutality and futility in which he becomes that which he hates. Finally, there is the conclusion, which subtly plays upon Alexander's hubris. As his army turns back from India his time for conquest is over, and; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beasts of Eden: Walking Whales, Dawn Horses, and Other Enigmas of Mammal Evolution; Author: Visit Amazon's David Rains Wallace Page; Review: If you are looking for a survey of mammal species, a sort of wildlife guide, "Beast of Eden" is probably not the book for you. While author David Rains Wallace does offer interesting insight into a variety of different animals, this isn't a detailed zoological guide. Rather it is a survey of the development of theories of mammal evolution, which is interesting in its own right, but not entirely clear from the title. That said Wallace has painted an amazing portrait, and I use this metaphor purposely. He has used Rudolph Zallinger's "Age of Mammals" mural from Yale's Peabody Museum to frame his discussion. As someone who grew up in New Haven and spent countless visits to the museum marveling at the mural and its associated specimens, I couldn't have been more delighted by this decision. This approach serves a double purpose, the obvious one being that the mural's rather sophisticated visual portrayal of mammal evolution provides a nice counterpoint to Wallace's discussion. However, it also is inextricably tied the overall discussion as O.C. Marsh was in many ways the founder of North American paleontology and also the head of paleontology at Yale and the Peabody museum. His so called "bone-wars" with Edgar Cope of The American Museum of Natural History (among other locales) drove the development of numerous theories of mammal evolution, and while their rivalry was childish at best and the theater of the absurd at worst, it provided a dynamic environment which drove a host of brilliant paleontologists to their chosen field. These bone-wars, and Darwin's theory of evolution provide the jumping off point for a survey of mammal evolution and it's associated theories. From neo-creationist arguments to Gould's punctuated equilibrium, Wallace provides a step by step evaluation of the rise and ebb of various arguments, and quite interestingly, links them into a whole. All too often, scientific theories are treated as emerging fully formed, as if from a vacuum, and while that occasionally occurs, it is more the exception than the rule. What Wallace has created in "Beasts of Eden" is a history of the evolution of evolutionary theory. In effect, this is a tribute to all the minds who have contributed to our understanding of who we are. The primary reason that he is successful in this endeavor is that he is able to link species studied by one era/scientist to another. For example, Marsh was a student of horse evolution, and Wallace is able to trace the growth of this field as different scientists add to the base he provided. From linear progressions of ever ascending species, to parallel lines of evolution to cladistic diagrams and genetic analysis, Wallace presents evolution as we understand it today by explaining the journey. I should warn that while not a scientific article, Wallace makes free use of scientific terms and quotes from scholarly sources. While one hardly need be a PhD to absorb and appreciate this work, some grounding in the life sciences will definitely make "Beasts of Eden" a more accessible work. As I said before, "Beasts of; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ghost Writer; Author: Visit Amazon's John Harwood Page; Review: It's hard to know where to begin with a novel like "The Ghost Writer"; most novels are built up in layers, with previous levels supporting those above, but in this case, the layers are peeled back like a sort of archaeological dig with the subsequent uncertainty that goes with such an endeavor. Happily, it is a challenge well worth undertaking as "The Ghost Writer" is the rare literary novel that reads like a thriller. As other readers have intimated, it is almost impossible to put down and its labyrinthine structure and subtle horror kept me reading well into the night. At its most basic level, "The Ghost Writer" is a two pronged tale that deals with Gerard Freeman's pursuit of his mother's mysterious and oddly absent family and his pen-pal Alice, who he takes to be his one true love. One would expect that these plot lines would become entangled, and they do, but what sets this novel apart is how author John Harwood manages to continually take the narrative at right angles from where the reader expects it to flow. At the same, time, he interjects gothic ghost stories written by a key character (who I won't name for fear of ruining the plot). At first, these abrupt changes in content and flow can be jarring, but as they draw the reader in they make for a fascinating change of pace. Moreover, as they start to reveal aspects of Gerard's mother's life, they begin to resemble jigsaw puzzle pieces which the reader must assemble in order to solve the deeper mysteries in play. Harwood wisely is neither to clever nor to obvious with these stories, and the result is a sensation of taking two steps forward and one step back. While the plot and structure are undeniably what make this novel, it would be unfair to view the characters as mere baggage. In fact, part of what makes "The Ghost Writer" so interesting is that it is essentially a one man show. Many characters, many important characters, come and go through the course of the novel, but they are only ever seen through the prism of Gerard. As such, his hopes and emotional state color every other aspect of the work, and even as the reader can see certain elements developing in advance, they can only experience them through Gerard. In particular, the one sided view of his relationship with Alice is critical, and could never have been handled as adroitly in the third person. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be either to abrupt or too enigmatic or perhaps both. On a very general level, I understand that the author was trying to make a statement about hope and redemption, but within the context of the story I felt that there were too many loose ends left lying about. I will admit that it is possible that upon re-reading, all will become clear as seemingly insignificant details from the ghost stories reveal themselves. Nonetheless, a more effective denouement would have made this a more satisfying read. Ultimately, while I respect; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom; Author: Visit Amazon's Cory Doctorow Page; Review: Science fiction, satire, dystopian fiction...if you enjoy slotting your reading into neat categories, "Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom" probably isn't for you. However, if the idea of a fresh, wholly original take on all of these genres appeals to you, read on. "Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom" is at its heart, and amalgam; an amalgam of styles, of genres, of themes, and yet somehow author Cory Doctrow has managed to weave these disparate elements into a cohesive whole. At its heart, this is the story of Julius, a post-modern man who is a centenarian living in Disney World. His is a world without scarcity or death, and as such, the dynamics of economies have changed radically. A person's rank in society is based upon their "whuffie", essentially the measure of their esteem within the breadth of the human population. While this meritocracy has certain appeals, it is still subject to the capriciousness of human nature, and as such, is still subject to many of the challenges of any of the systems the world currently enjoys (or doesn't). In particular, the need to use esteem in order to achieve capital means that non-stop consensus building plagues most aspects of life and diverts it into entirely unexpected directions. Which brings us to the crux of Julius' dilemma, namely he has been killed to facilitate another "as hoc" seizing control of the Hall of Presidents, and now his new body is experiencing difficulties with it's internal computing capabilities and, worst of all, the Haunted Mansion may be the next ride to succumb. As Jules and his ad hoc fight to save the ride from losing it's 20th century charm, the pressure really begins to mount. All this may sound absurd, but within the context of the story it works quite brilliantly. Doctrow introduces a host of interesting sociological and technological theories without becoming pedagogic, while at the same time exploring issues that are fundamental to any society. In particular, he questions whether humans can ever be truly happy absent conflict and purpose, and as such, what happens when the most mundane things become one's raison d'etre. Is it funny and absurd that his characters fight a war of sorts over a Disney ride, or is it sad, or is it both? In "Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom" Doctrow has produced a thoroughly original novel, that is both a fun read and a thoughtful look at society. He introduces a host of fascinating directions for human and societal evolution, but manages to maintain the reader's interest in a story that would be absurd out of context. Finally, his whuffie based economy has surpassed Ken Macleod's anarcho-capitalism ("The Stone Canal") as my favorite fictional political system, without ever bogging down in philosophical debate or confusing jargon. Great satire, great science fiction, this is a treat that is not to be missed. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Snow; Author: Visit Amazon's Orhan Pamuk Page; Review: In "Snow" Orhan Pamuk has produced a deeply personal novel about the inherent contradictions of his native country of Turkey. Sitting on the crossroads of East and West, Pamuk has distilled Turkey's national identity crisis into the border town of Kars, and then further refined it into the person of the poet Ka. Having recently returned from political exile in Germany for the funeral of his mother, Ka becomes drawn to the suicides of young women in Kars; women who are being forced from school by the secular government for wearing religious head scarves. At the same time, he is curious about Ipek, the object of his desire from his university days who has recently become available. With this relatively straightforward setting, Pamuk has set in motion a host of story lines, all of which reflect the unique duality of Turkey. Ka has gone to investigate the suicide of girls who are so religious suicide should be an abhorrence to them. He has gone to seek love and life even as his excuse for the trip is death. He finds Kars to be a place of wretched poverty, but also find sublime beauty in its snow covered vistas. Thus as a troop of performers turns their theater of the absurd into an absurd reality in the form of a military coup, the reader is buffeted between a string of polar opposites that are somehow part of a greater whole. It is Ka's pursuit of this whole that drives him from the company of atheists to religious students to terrorists to communists and back again. While this bizarre panoply of characters and motivations can be confusing at times, it is quite effective at setting the reader on edge and keeping one reading through passages that for all their beauty can slow to a crawl. Which brings me to my one complaint about "Snow": while Pamuk writes with an incredible lyricism, and while he is furthermore writing about a poet who should be expected to view the world differently, his prose can nonetheless be a challenge at times. For example, one can only read about Ka pondering the snow so many times before a poetic scene begins to take on a type literary demagoguery. Shaving fifty pages would have vastly sped up the narrative flow, and only heightened the conflict in the novel by compressing it. Nonetheless, "Snow" is a beautiful, thoughtful novel that asks more questions than it answers. Deeply biographical, Pamuk offers the best and worst of his country, and his westernized avatar Ka offers a window into this fascinating, but deeply divided nation for the American reader. Finally, I should add that the translator deserves a great deal of credit as the beauty of the prose (insomuch as I can determine) has lost nothing in translation. A challenging, sometimes slow read, "Snow" is well worth the time invested. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Behemoth: Seppuku (Bk. 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Peter Watts Page; Review: First off, for those of you haven't already read "Behemoth: B-Max" (at least) you will definitely want to do so before tackling "Behemoth: Seppuku". For reasons that the author explains in the first volume, they constitute one book that was split into two due to pressures in the publishing issue. This novel does not stand alone, and will make no sense without reading the previous volume. Furthermore, there are two other volumes in the series "Starfish" and "Maelstrom" and while each entry stands on its own fairly well, reading the books in order would definitely be the approach I would recommend. For those of you who are new to the series, here is a brief synopsis that should tell you whether or not these books are for you. Essentially, the story arc is about evolution: human, animal and electronic. By mixing a blend of biology, computer science and chaos theory, author Peter Watts has created a near future Earth where man is simultaneously at the height of his powers and walking the knife's edge of total ecological failure. In an effort to maintain the high standard of Western living mankind has turned to deep sea geothermal power to meet their energy needs. Miles below the ocean, specially engineered humans culled from the dregs of society maintain these power plants. However, what no one could have expected was that they would encounter an organism that would unleash an apocalypse. Part hard science-fiction, part post-apocalyptic, the first two books represent a genuinely original voice in the genre. For those of you who have been eagerly awaiting "Seppuku" rest assured the ending is eminently satisfying. Given the two volume approach, it is difficult to offer much in the way of plot details without providing spoilers, but I can say that after the somewhat broader focus of "Maelstrom" and "B-Max" the story has gone full circle and boiled back down to the most perverse trinity of characters one is likely to find: Lenie Clarke, Ken Lubin and Achilles Desjardins. As the three engage in a power-play in which no one's motivations are clear and the fate of the world hangs in the balance, action takes precedence over thought, to sometimes disastrous effect. Nonetheless, the science and technology which has so defined this series is on ample display and is as prescient as ever. Of particular note, I found the conclusion to be perfectly enigmatic. This is post-apocalyptic fiction, and a happy ending would have been wildly out of place, but Watts' conclusion recognizes this without being entirely bleak. In this regard, his novel owes more to "Alas, Babylon" with it's open ended conclusion, than the superb, but utterly fatalistic "On the Beach". To say more would risk huge spoilers, so suffice it to say "Sepukku" is every bit the conclusion I was hoping for. Watts has combined hard science fiction and post-apocalyptic fiction and taken both in new and exciting directions. If you're a fan of the series, you'll be glad at the way it ends; if you're intrigued by this review, grab "Starfish" and start; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Plot Against America; Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Roth Page; Review: It's hard to know where to begin with Philip Roth's "The Plot Against America", largely because it is a book that can present itself as different things to different people. Some will focus on the allo-historical content, and treat it as a standard alternate history, albeit one told from an unusual point of view. Others will read a cautionary tale, with disturbing parallels to our own world. Finally, there are those who will read the poignant coming of age of the book's author in a world that has been badly warped out of the comfortable nostalgia we expect. All of these viewpoints are valid, and in fact critical to appreciating the work, but it is only when the book is considered in it's totality that it can be appreciated. Spanning just a few short years from 1940 to 1942, "The Plot Against America" reveals the knife's edge we as individuals, as families and ultimately as a country walk between normality and chaos. As the isolationist, anti-Semite Charles Lindbergh sweeps FDR out of office, an eight year old Philip Roth becomes a prism through which to view the rising tide of fear and bigotry that ensues. This choice of narrator has an interesting effect, as children generally assume a certain status quo; a belief that regardless of what is going on in the greater world, their lives will remain largely intact. However, when change does come it is often viewed as abrupt (regardless of the warning signs) and terrifying. This presentation nicely parallels the tendency towards inward looking policy and a certain naivet in world affairs that characterized American policy in the first half of the century, and in some ways, still does today. Likewise, this desire to cling to an idealized, even fictional, past can have unexpected repercussions; a national unwillingness to grow up has been a major problem for the United States, and still taints both our sense of self and our worldview. As such, "The Plot Against America" is undeniably cautionary; Roth makes strong arguments that democracy is only ever a backslide away from fascism; that it is the duty of the average American to remain constantly on guard against the creeping loss of rights. However, to make the leap that Roth is referring specifically to the current administration is to my mind flawed. The set of circumstances are too different, and the overarching theme of the novel to distant from partisan politics for this to be anything other than a secondary consideration. Certainly, Roth's message of active democracy is one which should be embraced, and is in some ways pertinent to this, and many other administrations, but to ascribe partisan dogma to "The Plot Against America" dilutes its powerful story. This story of the time when Roth's imagined childhood ended in a wave of confusion and strife is ultimately far more powerful than any alternate history or political elements. While these devices inform the narrative, it is Roth's reaction to them that raise this novel to the status it has achieved. I defy anyone to read Roth's simple, but; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Man Who Japed; Author: Visit Amazon's Philip K. Dick Page; Review: "The Man Who Japed" is a fairly early Philip K. Dick novel, and as such is somewhat dated, and a little more straight-forward stylistically. In many ways it reads like early Bradbury; those looking for true science fiction will probably be put off by the simplistic technology. However, as with Bradbury, the powerful message transcends the context and drives the novel forward. Like many of Dick's novels, "The Man Who Japed" is set in a post-apocalyptic future, in this instance, some two hundred years after a nuclear war in the 1970's. Society is now governed by a strict moral code that emphasizes utility over comfort and social enforcement of societal mores. Enter Allen Purcell, an otherwise successful creator of "packets" (morality propaganda purchased by the state) who has inexplicably "japed" the statue of Major Streiter, founder of the Morec (moral reclamation) society. As his world begins a slow motion unraveling he comes to question everything about the society that has supported his family for generations. This perspective on morality as the driving force in politics is oddly prescient with today's debates about abortion, gay marriage and the like. Dick, has taken this evolution to its logical, but insane conclusion, in which every person is held to account by their neighbors in what is theoretically a people's court, but which is in fact an on-going witch hunt in which anonymity allows vicious personal vendettas to be aired with impunity. Admittedly, the actual story meanders and is not particularly engaging. While Purcell evolves into a rather intriguing character, by and large the supporting cast is rather two dimensional. To a degree this is understandable, as Dick is after all trying to create a world of cardboard cutouts. Nonetheless, this can make for a rather dry read at times. A short novel with a powerful message, "The Man Who Japed" offers a glimpse into Dick early in his career. While the wit and thoughtfulness is on ready display, his story-telling abilities are not yet at the level of "The Man in the High Castle" or "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" As such, this probably isn't the best novel for those new to the author to start, but it will definitely be appreciated by fans of his other work. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Cat's Pajamas: Stories; Author: Visit Amazon's Ray Bradbury Page; Review: Ray Bradbury is the consummate short story writer of the twentieth century, and this due in large part to the remarkable sense of time and place that he brings to his work. Pick up a copy of "The Illustrated Man" or "The October Country" or "Dandelion Wine" and you will immediately find yourself nostalgic for a time and place that maybe never was. Moreover, his ability to tie his collections together with common thematic elements makes reading any one of these books feel like something greater than the sum of its parts. "The Cat's Pajama's" however, is a collection that spans some sixty years of his writing, and as such, the stylistic and thematic elements that usually lend cohesion to Bradbury's collections are noticeably absent. The result is a book better nibbled at than devoured. The lack of cohesion can be jarring, and in some ways distracts from the quality of the individual works, but when properly approached, these stories are everything a Bradbury fan could want. This eclectic collection features some vintage Bradbury, as well as some interesting departures. Examples of the former are the classically creepy "Sometime Before Dawn" and the quirky science fiction of the "Mafioso Cement-Mixing Machine". While written some fifty years apart, they nonetheless share Bradbury's classic sense of style and timing. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the satirical "Hail to the Chief" in which some bad bets reverse five hundred years of American history, and the powerful, but definitely unexpected look at a marriage in "Where's My Hat, What's My Hurry?". Other highlights include the noir-ish "A Careful Man Dies", as well as "The Ghosts" which explores the supernatural in a way only Bradbury can. "The Transformation" is a remarkably blunt (given that it was written in 1948) look at racial prejudice and violence in the south, albeit from a startlingly different angle. Finally, there are the touchingly sweet "The Cats Pajamas" and "(A Remembrance)" the latter of which is most reminiscent the bittersweet nostalgia of "Dandelion Wine". There are a few head-scratchers in this collection, mostly because of an overabundance of ambition for a short work rather than flawed premise. However, overall "The Cat's Pajama's" is a unique retrospective on the evolution of Bradbury's work. As such, it is a real treat for longtime fans, but also a great introduction for new readers. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Our Ecstatic Days: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Steve Erickson Page; Review: "Our Ecstatic Days" is such an unusual novel, it perhaps makes the most sense to discuss what it is not first. It is not a traditional novel in the sense that one character or group of characters progress through a chronologically coherent, or at least internally consistent timeline, to a definite conclusion. Moreover, it does not follow the traditional arrangement of text, or the general way one expects a story to unfurl. So, if you're not looking for something experimental, you've been warned, but I would encourage you to dismiss any preconceptions of what a novel should be and read on as this novel's content should surpass its structure for all but the most stubborn reader. All that said, "Our Ecstatic Days" is one of the most powerful, remarkable novels I have encountered in quite some time. Layering discussions of parenthood in general, motherhood specifically, chaos, empathy, and hope, this is the type of novel that will read differently to any two people. However, both would have to agree that author Steve Erickson's use of unique mishmash of genres and styles, and even his avant garde structures somehow has produced a novel that is not only interesting, but absolutely gripping. Trying to sketch out a plot would be next to impossible, but the general progression of the story involves one young mother Kristin's almost maniacal desire to see her son Kirk protected from an uncertain world. As a lake slowly submerges Los Angeles, she attempts to sacrifice herself in order to save him, but in the process unleashes a string of fractured and alternate realities that somehow are all interconnected, and only one of which is "real" in the most totalistic sense of the word. There are a host of critical interconnections between these realities, but the most compelling is the single line of italicized text that runs through the final two hundred thirty pages of the book, only to connect seamlessly with the conclusion of the alternate streams. This stream of consciousness should be read in its entirety prior to picking up the rest of the narrative thread, and quite effectively captures how an entire lifetime can unfurl in the blink of an eye. Moreover, it is a highly effective literal representation of the malleability of one's destiny, and perhaps one's past, that is central to Erickson's message. To offer much more wouldn't so much spoil the plot as distract from it and corrupt the progression Erickson has set forth. Suffice it to say that he makes impressive ninety degree turns in both timeline and voice that would be distracting if they weren't so effective and linking together events that are otherwise seemingly unrelated. As he ties in the iconic figure of the man in front of the tanks at Tiananmen Square and the iconic image of 9/11 the novel progresses in increasingly fractured timelines across eighty years, American revolutions, the rise of cults and a other events to numerous to recount. Hence do seemingly inconsequential interconnections lead more and more forcefully to a dualistic philosophy of logic/love/hope devolving into chaos; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories (Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics); Author: Howard Phillips Lovecraft; Review: Edited by J. T. Joshi, "The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories" offers an excellent, even scholarly, introduction to the tales of H. P. Lovecraft. For those readers like myself who are relatively new to Lovecraft, this collection offers a nice broad brush look at some of his better know works. At the same time, the extensive commentary and foot-noting means that even long time fans should find something new in this collection. For those entirely unfamiliar with Lovecraft, this collection serves the additional purpose of explaining why one should read this enigmatic author. Put simply, Lovecraft's merit lies as much in the ideas behind his stories as their actual execution. In fact there are many who argue (with some merit) that Lovecraft wasn't much of an author. He routinely uses far too many words to make his point, an error compounded by his tendency to repeat himself, and many of his plot lines border on self satire. Nonetheless, he is revered because he reshaped the face of modern horror/fantasy. He removes man from the focal point of all previous storytelling, and finds horror in our insignificance. He creates a mythology (perhaps best personified in Cthulhu) in which beings both vastly older and infinitely more powerful than humans have lived and fought over untold eons. It is their complete indifference and capriciousness the mankind that inspires horror. At his best, Lovecraft captures this fear of the unknowable or unfathomable with an air of palpable menace. By arranging the stories found in this collection in chronological order, Joshi allows the reader to see Lovecraft's growth as a writer, something that makes the final five entries all the more impressive. "The Call of Cthulhu", "The Colour Out of Space", "The Whisperer in the Darkness", "The Shadow Over Innsmouth", and "The Haunter of the Dark" all beautifully capture the depth of Lovecraft's imagination. Hinting at things just beyond human ken, he taunts the reader with dark mysteries and an escalating level of paranoia in the seemingly mundane unknown. Hence, the breadth of his imagination exceeds his limitations as a writer. Like any collection, especially one that covers a significant period of a writer's development, "The Call of Cthulhu" is a mixed bag. Nonetheless, more entries than not will have you glancing over your shoulder. Moreover, given Lovecraft's influence on authors like Stephen King, not to mention emerging talents like China Mieville, it is interesting to explore his tales and consider their long term impact. In many ways it is like listening to Muddy Waters in order to understand the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. Finally, editor S. T. Joshi's fascinating notes help place both the author and his writings within a larger context. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Thing on the Doorstep and Other Weird Stories (Penguin Modern Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's H. P. Lovecraft Page; Review: "The Thing on the Doorstep and Other Weird Stories" represents the second of three (to date) collections of H. P. Lovecraft's work edited and annotated by J. T. Joshi and published by Penguin. Like the preceding volume ("The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories") the stories unfold in the chronological order of their writing, allowing the reader to both observe Lovecraft's development as a writer, and the interlinking of his developing mythos. The only substantial differences between this volume and the former are that this one contains more stories within the Cthulhu Mythos, and it also contains Lovecraft's two longest (and to my mind best) works. The book begins with an introduction from Joshi that readers of the first volume will probably find disappointing as it offers no meaningful difference to that books introduction. It seems odd that someone who has chronicled Lovecraft's life as intently as Joshi has couldn't find a different avenue of consideration, and it is unfortunate that the same facts are repeated, regardless of how important they may be to understanding Lovecraft's writing. Fortunately, that is the only black mark against Joshi's work as he has provided exhaustive foot-noting of each story. Sometimes whimsical and sometimes critical, these observations open up an entirely new and deeper view of the stories in "The Thing on the Doorstep and Other Weird Stories". In particular, residents of New England in general and Rhode Island in particular will appreciate the impression that regional history and geography had on Lovecraft's writing. As for the stories themselves, they are somewhat better generally than the first volume, which may simply be a reflection of my preference for the Cthulhu stories, or may alternately reflect that they are indeed better written (as I would argue). The stand out contributions can be found in the final four entries, "The Case of Charles Dexter Ward", "The Dunwich Horror", "At the Mountains of Madness" and "The Thing on the Doorstep", all of which are noteworthy for both individual and common reasons. "The Case of Charles Dexter Ward", like all four stories, continues the evolution of Lovecraft's occult mythos, but it is most noteworthy (aside from being the longest piece he ever wrote) for the way that it inverts the traditional Yankee ghost/horror story. Lovecraft removes, or rather reassigns, the supernatural and places it instead within the realm of a vast, seemingly unfathomable but quite literally real hidden world. Likewise, "The Dunwich Horror" plays upon these same elements, but at the same time explores the deep mystery of New England's rural regions, and the dichotomy of the bustling coast and the relatively rural interior. "At the Mountains of Madness" is my favorite Lovecraft story, and is significant in that it represent the most concrete conveyance of facts regarding the various "Old Ones" who ruled the earth untold millennia ago. It also helped create the adventure/techno-thriller genre which is so prevalent today and which so frequently draws occult imagery and themes (the novels of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child being the best representation of this admittedly mixed bag). Finally, "The; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Great Mortality: An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time; Author: Visit Amazon's John Kelly Page; Review: At it's best, John Kelly's "The Great Mortality" is a gripping, in your face look at the Black Death that began in 1348. Using a host of primary sources he draws the reader into what feels like a firsthand account of those grim days, all while remaining grounded in modern science and history. Unfortunately, at its worst it is a meandering account full of poorly identified speculation that fails to effectively straddle history and science. The result is an engaging, but ultimately uneven account that while worth reading fails to live up to its potential. Kelly's introduction immediately reveals some of these flaws. He offers an overview of how the plague arose in nature, how it burst out of its generally isolated ecological niche, and its impact on society and history. There is much to commend this introduction, as it quite nicely captures the evolution of a pseudo-global economy, and its impact on the spread of the disease. He also offers some interesting insight into where plague fits in the natural order, and how it made the jump from rodents to humans. However, Kelly also tends to pass off assumptions of human behavior as fact, and frequently takes contemporary sources at face value, a cardinal sin in a history, but particularly when dealing with an era as steeped in superstition as the Middle Ages. Moreover, a problem that plagues (no pun intended) "The Great Mortality" is that Kelly never seems quite sure if he wants to be primarily a historian or a scientist. The result is a flirting with scientific theory that never quite meets expectations, and leaves the reader frustrated. The flip side of the coin is a an over reliance on historical recreations where simple reference to the available source material would have been more effective, simpler and more academically honest. These same problems continue to crop up throughout "The Great Mortality" but so do the positives. In particular, Kelly does an excellent job of placing the impact of the plague within the context of societal and demographic change that so shaped the Renaissance and Reformation. Most notably, he quite adeptly explores how the plague broke Europe out of a population/resource deadlock and drove innovation and the rise of European global dominance. He quite rightly posits that in the absence of the plague and subsequent waves of disease could have left Europe as a cultural and economic backwater struggling to scrape out an existence on over-utilized land, much like the present day Third World. However, he fails to extrapolate this impact to the rest of the world. He makes several references to the tremendous death toll in China and India, and their role in the spread of the disease, but fails to give them equal consideration. To a point, this is an unfair complaint as Kelly makes it clear he is focusing on the European Black Death. However, his decision to paint (and quite correctly) a picture of a global community means he has to take a global view, and the failure to offer even a cursory summary of the; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Drowned World; Author: Visit Amazon's J. G. Ballard Page; Review: Unlike most entries in the post-apocalyptic fiction genre, J. G. Ballard's "The Drowned World" deals not with the immediate aftermath of a global calamity, but with the long-term psychiatric implications of such an event. Set some eighty years after an increase in solar activity has rendered most of the earth a tropical swamp, Ballard explores the human reaction to such a rapid change in geography and society at the most primal level. As such, it has more in common with the likes of Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" than "Alas, Babylon" or other contemporary works of apocalyptic fiction. In fact, in many ways it presents itself as a post-modern retelling of Conrad's journey into man's baser instincts. The main character, Dr. Kerans is an admirable stand in for Marolow, as like his literary predecessor he is both drawn to and repelled by his surroundings and what they do to him and those around him. Likewise, his aptly named nemesis Strangman is so reminiscent of Kurtz, including his almost cult-like relationship with Africans (more on that later) it is difficult not to picture him as a Marlon Brando type character. However, what separates the two novels, and keeps "The Drowned World" from being entirely derivative, is that Marlow has a civilization, a real civilization, to fall back upon. No matter his descent into the unknown, both internally and externally, there is always a thread, however tenuous, that he can use to pull himself back up out of the primitive. Kerans, on the other hand, is stuck in a global Congo, and the so-called civilization he could fall back upon is a mere shell of what it was, scratching out an existence above the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. As such, his backward drift into the primeval is both more intense and ultimately irrevocable. It is this backwards drift into something more primitive, but somehow better adapted to this new world that forms the compelling core of the narrative. His discussion of genetic memory, of the hard-coding of our response to our environment by millions of years of evolution is both believable and engaging, and has at least some foundation in fact as reflected by man's near universal dislike of such things as spiders and snakes. Wisely, Ballard doesn't attempt to draw any definitive conclusions, but rather leaves open the question of whether evolution is a one way street, or whether mankind is truly as adaptable as we suppose. Nicely juxtaposing this inner change is the change in society that necessarily attends such a radical change in the environment. Most of what is left of civilization is regimented under a quasi-military system, apparently under the auspices of the U.N., and what is left of the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Existing outside of this society are those who either refuse to let go, or who scratch out a living in a piratical sort of existence. Strangman is one of the latter, and he forms Ballard's most compelling character. Not explicitly bad, although almost certainly insane, he forms the question of whether the necessities of survival trump; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dance of Death (Large Print); Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas Preston Page; Review: In "Dance of Death" authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child have taken the logical step of something that has been occurring casually in their writing over the last three novels, they have pulled together all of their joint works (save "Riptide" which can be neither included nor excluded) into one cohesive universe. The primary characters, Bill Smithback, Nora Kelly, Margo Green, Laura Hayward, Vincent D'Agosta and of course Aloysius Pendergast, have all been featured prominently in past works, and while I haven't been much of a fan of this inbreeding of plot lines, I have to admit that it is carried of with a great deal of panache. "Dance of Death" is a sequel to the previous "Brimstone", and likewise represents the latest in an arc concerning Pendergast that began with "The Cabinet of Curiosities" and continued in "Still Life With Crows". As such, this isn't the best book to start with these authors, as some sections will border on the incomprehensible to new readers. Dealing with a deadly grudge match between Pendergast and his brother Diogenes, "Dance of Death" cleverly sets up all of the previous Lincoln and Child novels as a training ground for the penultimate showdown between these two enigmatic geniuses, which will, at least as of this writing, find its denouement in next summer's book. Thus be forewarned, that "Dance of Death" ends in a cliffhanger. However, since it is obvious within the context of the book, and since the authors have been more than forthcoming about that fact, this is hardly a criticism. It is worth noting that as with other recent Preston and Child novels, "Dance of Death" drifts away from the early science and story driven novels, and derives more of its tension from character development. While this may disappoint some, it actually works quite well as the authors are now drawing on eight previous books, and as such they are capturing the themes and drama found in those prior works. There's a little bit of "Relic", a dash of "Thunderhead", a portion of "The Ice Limit", so on and so forth. As Pendergast and his faithful Lieutenant D'Agosta are pulled ever deeper into Diogenes murderous plan, more than a few pieces snap satisfyingly into place. At the same time the characters are used in unpredictable ways, so each new plot twist feels just a little more puzzling because of that. Literally up to the last page Preston and Child throw one change-up after another at the reader. In fact, the ending is one of the high points of the book, and speaks to a strong element that pervades the text, namely the fallibility of Pendergast. "In Dance of Death" he is plainly surpassed by his brother, and his need to rely on friends makes him a much more compelling and human character than the polymath superman he has often become; a character which sadly verged on self caricature. How this relates to the conclusion, and without offering any spoilers, is basically this: if you are going to end a book with a cliffhanger, make; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: At the Mountains of Madness: And Other Tales of Terror; Author: Visit Amazon's H. P. Lovecraft Page; Review: This Modern Library Classic edition of H.P. Lovecraft's "At the Mountains of Madness" is marketed as "the definitive edition", presented "in fully restored form". However, while it is a nice, good quality trade paperback, the only thing that sets this edition apart from that found in the S. T. Joshi edited "The Thing on the Doorstep" is a rather excellent introduction by China Mieville, and a non-fiction piece by Lovecraft himself, "Supernatural Horror in Literature". I am admittedly no Lovecraft scholar, but I was hard-pressed to find any difference between this and the Joshi text, and there were certainly no significant differences in the plot. That said, this is a nice book to have, and should be particularly considered by those who are looking to introduce themselves to Lovecraft. "At the Mountains of Madness" is perhaps the quintessential Lovecraft story as it draws masterfully on themes developed in his earlier writings. Detailing the discovery of unimaginably old artifacts by an Antarctic exploration, the story revels in Lovecraft's primary concept of horror, namely, the cosmic insignificance and fragility of man. As the narrator and his assistant descend into the stygian depths of an unspeakably ancient city, the tension derives not from anything traditionally evil, but rather utterly indifferent to humanity's well being. Moreover, the elements of dislocation, of man being knocked of his perch at the apex of evolution work, if anything, even better than they did in the 1930's. In an age when we are the precipice of understanding some of the most profound mysteries of life, "At the Mountains of Madness" places all of humanity squarely in the boondocks of cosmic significance. At the same time, "At the Mountains of Madness" plays on the human love of exploration, and in this regard can probably be better appreciated today than in Lovecraft's time, when African and Antarctic explorations were uncovering things never before seen by western man (or man at all in the case of the poles). In a world that is pretty much mapped and paved over, the reader can't help but revel in the strange newness of the discoveries found herein. This edition also benefits from the introduction by China Mieville (the undeniable star in fantasy and weird fiction today), although it should be read after the story by new readers. His insights into Lovecraft's era, influences and radical creativity (as well as appalling racism) offer tremendous insight into "At the Mountains of Madness" specifically, and Lovecraft's work in general. In fact, from the standpoint of literary analysis, if not personal history, Mieville's introduction surpasses those of Joshi in the Penguin published collections. Finally, there is the Lovecraft essay which concludes the volume. It's an interesting review of supernatural horror, and Lovecraft's commentary thereon. It's fairly readable for a scholarly piece, and offers some interesting insight into his work, but it will still be of limited interest to the general reader. Ultimately, this is a nice edition, which features an excellent introduction. Publisher's notes indicating how this version differs from previously published editions are definitely missed, and in some ways; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Summer Isles; Author: Visit Amazon's Ian R. MacLeod Page; Review: First off, this isn't a typical Amazon title, rather it is the debut novel from Aio Publishing, which puts out limited, signed editions by various science fiction and fantasy authors. Specifically, "The Summer Isles" by Ian R. Macleod was limited to 500 signed hardcovers, and at the time of this writing, some copies were still available from the publisher as well as on the internet. It is also worth noting that Aio has made part of their mission to make books that are both ecologically friendly and visually appealing, and "The Summer Isles" doesn't disappoint. The covers are wrapped in some sort of synthetic suede, with the binding a glossy black with stamped gold print and finally, the interior pages are printed on a heavier, creamier stock than generally seen in most books. All these elements combine to create a book that offers an experience that goes beyond the words found inside. That said, a pretty package isn't enough to carry a novel, and happily, "The Summer Isles" is as engaging on the outside as it is on the inside. On its surface, "The Summer Isles" is a remarkably detailed alternate history, in which Germany won World War I, and fascism arose in Great Britain (or "Greater Britain" as it has come to be known). And Macleod deserves a tremendous amount of credit for this creation. He creates interesting parallels between Nazi Germany and Great Britain, but doesn't make them so obvious or literal as to make the story dull. At the same time, he nicely winds up his alternate history with his characters, such that he can reveal it without resorting to the exposition which bogs down many other novels in the genre. That said, it's what goes on beneath the surface that really draws the reader in. Macleod is exploring not just the forces of history, but our very understanding of history. At heart, what he has produced is a historiography of his own alternate history, which is a fascinating way to unfold a story. Even his narrator is two different people depending upon the source, his real name of Griffin Brooke having been changed to Geoffrey Brook by forces quite beyond his control. Likewise, he is a closeted homosexual (and quite understandably given the British regime) and as such, his own personal history is not what one would expect. Finally, there is a tenuous thread connecting him to the effective dictator of the British Empire, John Arthur, and only Brook knows that man's own secret history. In the hands of a less gifted novelist all of these convolutions and meditations would be distracting and tedious, but Macleod has weaved them into a tale so engaging it is impossible not to be drawn in. He explores what is really a dual nature in human history, the tendency not to make waves, but the converse ability of people to rise above that comfort zone, to direct the forces of history, for good or ill, for at least a while. At the time, our ability to act (or not act) upon this; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gentlemen of the Road: A Tale of Adventure; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Chabon Page; Review: I hesitate to only give this book three stars, because I did enjoy it, but I found that it didn't really stay with me aftwards. The writing, as one would expect from an author of Chabon's caliber, is exceptionally strong, but the story itself doesn't flow terribly well and was lacking in depth. To be fair, Chabon was deliberately trying to imitate serialized stories of the 19th century, so that contributes to the pulpish feel of the book. Moreover, if hadn't received the book from the Amazon Vine program, I doubt I would have paid for it, so in that regard my review is, admittedly, skewed. Nonetheless, well "Gentlemen of the Road" is an engaging diversion, it lacked depth in the storytelling which ultimately, at least for me, derailed the reading experience.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Gargoyle; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Davidson Page; Review: "Gargoyle" by Andrew Davidson is nothing if not ambitious. It aspires, quite plainly, to be "Literary Fiction" and "Romantic" in the 19th century tradition. Unfortunately, ultimately, this oddly plain desire to slot the novel within certain categories proves to be its downfall as the story bogs down under the weight of its own ambition. That's not to say that "Gargoyle" is an awful read, it's not, but it would be better served by taking itself a little less seriously. The story follows the tale of a burn victim who falls under the sway of a mysterious woman who claims to have been his lover through 700 years of history. There are those who have claimed that the opening descriptions of the accident leading to the burns are disturbing and affecting, but I found them oddly clinical and detached. This is a problem that plagues much of the book as it is an ostensible romance that feels uniformly dispassionate. Everything from the most gruesome injury to the most mundane facet of daily life is treated with the same language. At the same time, the author has never met a metaphor he didn't like and the relentless assault of one after the other would be comical if it didn't slow the story down so badly. One of the strengths, and weaknesses of the novel is its attention to detail. Davidson obviously researched the historical aspects of this novel extensively, but then refers to the projectile fired from a crossbow as an arrow when even the most cursory study of the weapon would show crossbows fire bolts (he also seems oddly determined to inflate the importance of a weapon that was largely a sideshow to the longbow). "Gargoyle" has at its heart an interesting, and potentially touching story, but it is often obscured by needless literary affectations (changes in font, unorthodox page arrangements). It's not a bad read, but not a great one. If you're a fan of historical fiction it might be worth checking out but if you are primarily interested in literary fiction there are better choices out there.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Company of Liars; Author: Maitland K; Review: The problem I've found with most historical fiction is that it either skimps on character development and plot in order to show off how much research the author has done, or offers up a romanticized setting that rarely correlates to historical fact. Happily, in "Company of Liars" author Karen Maitland has produced characters of remarkable depth while placing them in an intensely realistic setting. As a group of itinerant travelers attempts to flee the Black Death ravaging England, the reader is treated to a fascinating look at what life was like in the 14th century, but is also pulled into the dynamics of a motley group, thrown together by circumstance, and the resulting intrigues that arise. Of particular note is the first chapter, which whets the readers appetite with events that aren't revisited until much later in the text. The result is an over-riding tension that sets the perfect mood. "Company of Liars" is a fascinating, engaging read that is more than deserving of the accolades it has been receiving. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marco Flamingo:Marco Flamenco; Author: Visit Amazon's Sheila Jarkins Page; Review: I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that while this is certainly a visually interesting book, the actual story is choppy and oddly forced. I will say that we do not live in a bilingual household, so it may be that the story flows better in Spanish, or that the text is tailored to productive language learning. However, when viewed strictly as an English story, it has failed to really capture my kids attention (which is ultimately the the best way, in my mind, to evaluate the quality of a children's book).; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Here Comes Santa: A Mini Holiday Pop-Up; Author: Visit Amazon's David Pelham Page; Review: "Here Comes Santa" shows Santa's journey from the North Pole to your house through the use of beautifully rendered pop-ups. While there is an accompanying story, it's really just an addendum to the visual treat provided by the pop-ups, and I find my kids often skip the narrative altogether as they talk about what they see in the pop-up. Moreover, this books is the perfect size for little hands, and it's charm is only enhance by seeing your kids hold it and create their own narrative. This is really a delightful little book, and one I expect we will return to for many Christmases to come.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New England Trips (Regional Travel Guide); Author: Visit Amazon's Ray Bartlett Page; Review: I've lived most of my life in New England (CT and RI) so I didn't expect that there would be much new in Lonely Planet's "New England Trips" but I was unequivocally mistaken. While it touches upon the expected big attractions (The Freedom Trail, Newport Mansions, etc.) it delves into a host of unusual destinations that range from culinary, to shopping to historical and scenic. While no guidebook could ever be considered "definitive", this one certainly goes out of its way to offer up out of the way or little known attractions while in no way detracting from "must see" locales. What makes it particularly unique is that the over 1,000 attractions are all grouped within 53 trips, and when I say "trips" I don't mean, "drive from southern Connecticut to Maine and see 400 things." Rather, each trip is a 2-3 day excursion grouped around a particular theme. Some are relatively general, "Litchfield Hills Loop" for example, but some are truly unique outings (my particular favorite is "Book Hunting in the Pioneer Valley") that offer a mix of the expected and the unique. By arranging the book in such a way, Lonely Planet has put together a tool that should be equally attractive to New England natives and visitors from other regions. If I have one criticims it is menu information for restaurants is very limited in msot cases, so you are left to trust that a given stop will be to your liking and within your price range. Of course, you can always just go somewhere else, and this native is looking forward to hitting the road this summer with "New England Trips" in hand. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pain Killers: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Jerry Stahl Page; Review: Reading like a Nirvana song left on the cutting room floor, Jerry Stahl's "Pain Killers" tells the story of a recovering junkie ex-cop turned PO hired to mind the Nazi mad scientist Josef Mengele, long presumed dead, in San Quentin prison. Along the way the reader is treated to a bizarre cast of characters including his ex-wife who has a side gig making Christian prognography, a Jewish member of the Aryan brotherhood, his brother with half a face and son on and so forth. Framed as a hard-boiled detective story, "Pain Killers" is more than successful at that basic level, but it is also a fascinating amalgamation of gonzo journalism, pop culture and 20th century history. Almost all of the characters are people you wouldn't cross the street to spit on, and yet in Stahl's capable hands they become remarkably empathetic, to the point where the relationship between the main character and his wife flirts with being tender, in a demented sort of way. This is not your normal detective novel, and if you are just looking for a straight-up mystery you will probably not like this book and might very well be disgusted by it. However, if you are looking for something that challenges conventions, is superbly written and often very funny in a dark, sardonic sort of way, give "Pain Killers" a look. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Strain (The Strain Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Guillermo del Toro Page; Review: In "The Strain" Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan seek to make decisive mark on the genre of vampire fiction, and in spite of a few stumbles they by and large succeed. Without giving too much away, "The Strain" looks to ground the vampire myth within modern science, and as such, reads as much like a techno-thriller as it does like horror, borrowing the best elements of both. The story begins as a plane lands at JFK and promptly goes completely dark. As Homeland Security moves past fears of terrorism, the CDC becomes involved and it becomes clear that some pathogen is at work. Then, as the vampire plague begins to smolder, and unlikely alliance of a holocaust survivor, CDC scientists and a NYC exterminator unite in an attempt to stem its tide. Given that this is the first book in a trilogy, I don't think I'm giving anything away in stating that they are not entirely successful; "The Strain" offers enough resolution to be satisfying in and of itself, but readers looking for a tidy package should be forewarned they won't find an answer for every question. That said, "The Strain" is a great summer read, blending genres and superbly maintaining a palpable tension throughout. If the characters are some what thin and predictable, they are nonetheless interesting and their motivations come across as sincere and appropriate to the narrative flow. I do have two complaints. First, the ending, even for the first book in a trilogy is needlessly rushed; while the set-piece it comprises is superbly written, it happens too soon and as a result is a bit of a let down. Secondly, as other reviewers have alluded to, the authors aren't entirely certain what they want the vampire plague to be; the main characters refer to it is a virus, but there are many elements that come across as parasitic. This isn't a huge issue, and can still be resolved, but it is distracting and makes one question how well the trilogy will tie together as a whole. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed "The Strain". It was genuinely creepy and offers a great breath of fresh air to the vampire tradition. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Castle; Author: Visit Amazon's J. Robert Lennon Page; Review: It's rare that one can say a 220 page novel is too long, but that is definitely the case with "Castle". While the central conceit is a lot of fun, it is a story that would have been better served in a 100 page novella. There is way too much introspection that does nothing to advance the narrative flow; one can only stand so much of the narrator/protagonist opining on the virtues of his world-view before wanting to throw the book across the room. "Castle" is the story of Eric Loesch, who moves back to his home town at some indeterminate point in middle age, and buys an old house along with 600+ acres of land. As he works to renovate his house, a sense of unease creeps over him, and when he finds out that there is a small "island" of land in the middle of his property that he doesn't own he becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery of who does own it, which, predictably, leads him to discoveries about his own past. I have read several reviews that state that Loesch is unlikable, which I would disagree with, rather, and much worse, he is uninteresting. I have read plenty of novels wherein the main character is absolutely reprehensible, but still interesting. On the contrary Loesch seems to be a fairly decent man, but he has very little to say. At least 75% of what his narrative relates to the virtues of not dwelling on the past, self discipline, etc. Whether intentional or not, he comes across as a mouthpiece for the author, who I can't help but picture as someone who takes cold showers, likes heavy starch on his shirts and never wears shorts no matter how hot the weather. A novella would strip out the self indulgent navel-gazing and allow the story of the land, which is actually a lot of fun, to come to center stage. It would also force a more original denouement as there would be no time to set-up the baggage of the past which drives the last seventy or so pages. Castle is an easy read, and not without merit, but it left me wanting more, not least because it has a great story at its core that is buried under a lot of unnecessary padding. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ten Little Puppies (Eyeball Animation); Author: Visit Amazon's Marian Harris Page; Review: My kids are big fans of "Ten Little Dinosaurs", so I was excited to bring home "Ten Little Puppies" but I have to say that something is missing from this book. The illustrations are rather dull and the rhyming seems forced. I think the problem may be that dogs just don't offer the illustrative possibilities that dinosaurs do. At any rate, this is a somewhat lackluster follow-up, and unless your children are crazy for dogs there are probably better options out there. I should also add, that the eyes don't work well in a traditional hardcover as the pages only line up properly when the book is held at a right angle, which results in ripping. This is a book that is much better served by a board book format. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Finch; Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff VanderMeer Page; Review: With "Finch", Jeff Vandermeer has brought to a conclusion, if not a trilogy than a triptych of sorts, of novels/stories set in his Ambergris city/state. Beginning with "The City of Saints and Madmen", through "Shriek: An Afterword" and concluding with this latest novel, Vandermeer has created a city that is no less real for its remarkable, and ever increasing, surrealism. In "Finch", Vandermeer give homage to the noir crime genre, as the eponymous title character plays a conflicted detective in service to the occupying gray-caps (vicious, inscrutable, fungal anthropoids). Investigating what appears to be a straight-forward homicide, Finch is drawn into a world of spies, organized crime and armed resistance. As the novel progresses, Finch's grounding in reality becomes more and more tenuous, not because of his unreliability as a narrator, but because of the fever dream reality in which his is forced to exist. While I found "Shriek" more interesting from a stylistic point of view, I would argue that "Finch" is the more accomplished novel of the two. The story is tighter and more approachable, while in no way sacrificing the weirdness which is Vandermeer's part and parcel. I should add that while the opening chapters could be daunting for a reader new to Vandermeer, he does a superb job of interweaving necessary back-story. While you may mess more subtle references, you should have no problem following the main arc of the story. "Finch" is an intriguing story wrapped in the literary craftsmanship one would expect from the author. Notable for both its busting of genres and elevation of fantastic writing, "Finch" is well worth the time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet; Author: Visit Amazon's David Mitchell Page; Review: Fair warning: I am a huge David Mitchell fan. That said, it is an admiration that has been fairly won by the author. With his elliptical plot lines and superb writing, I have eagerly awaited the novel that became "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet" since devouring the superb "Black Swan Green" four years ago. Gladly, it did not disappoint, although it certainly represented something of a departure for Mitchell, as it is more traditionally plotted and more focused on character development. That said, the author refuses to be pinned down as he shifts narrative focus from a Dutch Clerk to a Japanese interpreter to a scarred midwife and so on. Moreover, he plays with genre, drifting from historical romance to action adventure (that borders on "Indiana Jones" type villainy) and on, all while presenting a coherent whole, all while staying true to the time and place (turn of the 19th century Japan) , and all while telling a story that is above all eminently readable. This novel could prove problematic for Mitchell professionally as I am sure there are those who will argue that it is too straightforward (i.e. not highbrow, or literary enough) and those will say that it is too challenging to be considered mainstream. I, on the other hand, would argue that it is precisely this crossover appeal that makes "Thousand Autumns" so laudable. It displays style and nuance that should allow Mitchell to finally break through and win the Booker Prize, but at the same time isn't so self conscious that it subvert story for presentation. This is true of all of Mitchell's novels, which is what has made him such a darling of the literary scene, but it is particularly true of this novel. I cannot recommend "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet" enough, for both its masterful prose and fascinating, engaging story line. This is a novel that will stay with you long after its completion. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Passage: A Novel (Book One of The Passage Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Justin Cronin Page; Review: There are times when Justin Cronin's "The Passage" falls back upon beloved, but oft mimicked standards of the post-apocalyptic genre like "The Stand", "I Am Legend" and "Alas, Babylon" to name a few. However, these derivative moments are almost always subsumed by the shear scope and ambition of the novel. Featuring an extensive back-story and strong characterization, Cronin plays on the current zombie/vampire crazes in a clever way by positing a military experiment on longevity gone badly awry. As the world crumbles around them, a man and young girl who may be the key to humanity's survival struggle to endure. Seem familiar? That's because it is, but just when the reader begins to think the novel will bog down in tired old tropes, Cronin pushes the narrative forward 100 years, and the reader is quite effectively displaced as the entire direction of the novel shifts. I don't want to give much away, but Cronin is quite clever in positing how a post-Information Age society might function in the absence of any newly created technology. I would argue that his vision is probably pretty accurate, and takes a refreshingly new direction in post-apocalyptic fiction. The first book in a planned trilogy, "The Passage" is an exciting, engaging read, and I, for one, am eagerly await the next entry.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sams Teach Yourself Android Application Development in 24 Hours; Author: Visit Amazon's Lauren Darcey Page; Review: This is an easy to use, easy to follow, well laid out entry into Android programming. Starting at the ground level and moving smoothly through greater levels of complexity, I have this far found it to be a nice entry into what is a completely new language for me. That said, if you have just picked up a Droid X and want to create some apps, but have no prior programming experience, this may not be what you expect. I would imagine a reasonably smart person could pick up Android programming, with no prior experience, from this book but the learning curve will be substantially steeper. However, if you have any experience at all (I'm no programmer, my experience is limited to VBA and SQL) you should find this an approachable, logical reference that will both introduce you to Android, and advance your skills well beyond the beginner level. I would highly recommend it for all but those entirely new to programming, and to be fair, short of taking a class I'm not sure there is any one reference that will bring you up to speed without any stumbling blocks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fall (The Strain Trilogy); Author: Guillermo Del Toro; Review: It is traditionally held that the writing of the middle book of a trilogy is the hardest. The plot must be advanced, but not so much that it leaves the third book lacking. Given that the book functions as an extended crises, it usually seems unduly punishing on the characters and can be a downer. I say this because I want to make clear that I had certain, lowered, expectations for "The Fall", and yet, regrettably, the books still fell short. Picking up immediately after the events of "The Strain", "The Fall" carries forward the story of Ephraim Goodweather, Abraham Setrakian and their band of misfits as they seeks to fight a burgeoning vampire plague. "The Fall" suffers from many of the same faults as its predecessor, clumsy dialogue and too much exposition within the narrative being the two biggest flaws, but unlike "The Strain", it evolves into a predictable, often mundane story. More often than not the novel is simply careening from one improbable fight scene to the next, without any real purpose. Moreover, when the book reveals The Master's (a genuinely engaging villain, utterly wasted in this book) plan for global domination it is as predictable and dull as could be imagined. I will read the third book of this trilogy because I have already come this far with it, and there are some interesting twists. In addition, the books are easy reads and occasionally exciting, if not as thought provoking as they seem to think that they are. That said, I'm not sure I would recommend starting the series to someone new to the trilogy. Again, these aren't terrible reads, but I don't see the story going anywhere terribly interesting. A better choice would be Justin Cronin's expansive, and much better written, "The Passage". Jake Mohlman; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Droid X For Dummies; Author: Visit Amazon's Dan Gookin Page; Review: I've struggled with how to review this book, because while it is very good, I haven't used it in the manner that one would traditionally think of a beginner's reference. The Droid X is, given its complexity and feature set, surprisingly easy to use. However, the in package documentation is lacking and the sheer expansiveness of what the phone can do can be daunting at times, and that's where this book shines. While I suppose one could read the book cover to cover, I have found it tremendously useful as a sort of expanded owner's manual. It answers the questions you could figure out on your own but don't want to be bothered with (like finding the phone settings, for example). It is simultaneously as shallow and as deep as you want it to be; usually within the first paragraph of a given section I could find what I needed, but if I wanted a deeper dive into the minutia of settings or features, it was all right there for the reading. I wouldn't say this is a must have for any Droid X owner, because it's not. Unless you are complete technophobe (in which case it is a must have) the phone is approachable enough to figure out on your own. That said, this book does make it easier to get up to speed faster, and enjoy the Droid X more thoroughly than if you go it alone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: C; Author: Visit Amazon's Tom McCarthy Page; Review: To my mind, the Booker Prize is the pinnacle of literary prizes when it comes to engaging, readable fiction. Over the last decade I have read and loved probably two dozen novels that have made the list. So I was genuinely excited when "C" by Tom McCarthy, a novel I had been interested in reading anyway, won the prize. It not only validated my interest, but greatly heightened my anticipation of reading this novel. Regrettably, almost shockingly, "C" failed to live up to it's promise. While I will concede that the writing is beautiful to the point that it at times borders on lyrical, it is wasted in the service of ill defined characters and the almost complete absence of a narrative flow. Time and again I returned to C's pages, hoping that the next chapter might pull me in, only to be rebuffed by a story that was going nowhere at a snail's pace. Obviously, better literary minds than mine have been blown away by what they found in McCarthy's, and I will concede that perhaps I just don't get it. Nonetheless, if I am being honest, I must reluctantly proclaim that the Emperor has no clothes, much to my disappointment.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Dead Path; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen M. Irwin Page; Review: I can say with all honesty that the first fifty or so pages of " The Dead Path" are genuinely engaging, perhaps even gripping. The initial back story is told with urgency without being rushed and layers tragedy old and new into a plot that had me plowing along, eagerly awaiting the next twist. However, as the book moves through it's central bulk it rapidly loses steam as various thematic elements are piled one on top of another in an haphazard fashion. While most are interesting to one degree or another, generally they fail to serve the plot effectively, and come at the expense of character development. Moreover, the ending is so simultaneously predictable and ridiculous that it can only be described as hackneyed, and it is painfully clear that the author is writing a screenplay rather than a novel at that point. "The Dead Path" isn't a terrible read, but it certainly doesn't live up to the breathless praise it seems to be receiving. Stephen Irwin shows more than a glimpse of talent and with a good editor I would say he has real potential, but this debut ultimately falls flat.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Robopocalypse: A Novel (Vintage Contemporaries); Author: Visit Amazon's Daniel H. Wilson Page; Review: Before I say anything else about "Robopocalypse" it has to be pointed out that Max Brooks did this exact same book first and better with "World War Z". There is simply no getting around that fact; you cannot write a vignette based, first person account of a war that leads to the near extinction of the human race and expect to avoid the comparison. The problem, and it is the fundamental flaw of "Robopocalypse", is that whereas "World War Z" used the narrative device of first person interviews conducted by a committee formed in the wake of the zombie war, author Daniel Wilson relies on a rather lazy deus ex machina device of robot surveillance of the characters in question, transcribed by a human. The result is confusing hodge-podge of tenses, shifting from third to first person with no apparent regard for logic. Moreover, this approach requires a level of god-like surveillance which makes the success of any human resitance laughable from the get go. Finally, Wilson seems almost compelled to tie his characters together on a personal level, which requires coincidence piled upon coincidence with little regard for reasonableness. That criticism aside, "Robopocalypse" will do well for two reasons. Firstly, it is a lot of fun to read; even if Wilson does a sub-par job of maitaining the overarching narrative, his individual stories are well thought out, usually exciting and well written. Secondly, Wilson is a scientist first, and he does a genuinely exceptional job of using hard science to drive his plot while avoiding the all to common trap of turning off the reader with dusty, out of context explanations. He wisely uses his knowledge of machine intelligence to sufficiently ground his plot in reality such that the reader is not just comfortable with, but is rather compelled to suspend disbelief. "Robopocalypse" is a fun beach read, and there's nothing wrong with that. But it lacks the nuance and craftsmanship, and is ultimately plainly derivative of "World War Z" and as such it never really rise to anything more.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Holy Thief: A Novel (Captain Alexei Korolev Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's William Ryan Page; Review: For the most part, "The Holy Thief" is a fairly routine, albeit well written, thriller. Which is fine; plenty of people, myself included enjoy a well plotted thriller. However, what gives this book a little extra "oomph" is the setting in 1930's Russia. The palapble stress and insanity of living in Stalin's Soviet Union becomes a character unto itself and adds an extra air of menace to the story. It is this sense of forboding doom that both frames and drives the story, and makes "The Holy Thief" well worth your time; in particular, it should appeal to fans of both crime and historical fiction as it provides a well constructed cross-over between the two genres.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Genesis; Author: Visit Amazon's Bernard Beckett Page; Review: This book is really a Young Adult novel, and shame on me for not realizing that. That said, it's tought for me to evaluate as I'm not a young adult and don't generally read in the category. The prose was well written, if simple, and the story engaging. I imagine some younger kids would be uncomfortale with a post-apocalyptic setting, but for a reasonably mature reader, "Genesis" could be a fun, engaging read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Holy Thief: A Novel; Author: ; Review: For the most part, "The Holy Thief" is a fairly routine, albeit well written, thriller. Which is fine; plenty of people, myself included enjoy a well plotted thriller. However, what gives this book a little extra "oomph" is the setting in 1930's Russia. The palapble stress and insanity of living in Stalin's Soviet Union becomes a character unto itself and adds an extra air of menace to the story. It is this sense of forboding doom that both frames and drives the story, and makes "The Holy Thief" well worth your time; in particular, it should appeal to fans of both crime and historical fiction as it provides a well constructed cross-over between the two genres.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Demi-Monde: Winter: A Novel (The Demi-Monde Saga); Author: Visit Amazon's Rod Rees Page; Review: On the balance, I really enjoyed "Demi-Monde: Winter", the idea of populating a military simulation with some of history's worst sociopaths, and giving them free reign to wreak havoc after their own fashion, is simultaneously original, interesting and not wildly far-fetched. Moreoever, the central conceit, that real humans can become trapped within the simulation is plenty believable to allow for the suspension of disbelief. However, where there is potential for this proposed four book series to fall down, is the plot device that will drive future books. I don't want to provide any spoilers, but in essence, this device shifts from the sci-fi basis of the novel and moves it closer to a sort of fantastical mysticism. Now, to be fair, it may be that in future books this element will be re-grounded in the hard foundational hard sci-fi of the book, or it may feel more organic, and less grafted on as the series progresses. However, with only one book to form an opinion on, I can definitely see this dichotomy becoming a problem in future installments. That said, for now I am willing to take things as they come. The book is clearly meticulously researched, with historical figures acting in a believable fashion, without being carbon copies of their real world counterparts. This is no minor accomplishment, as the author has taken a host of real life personalities and forced them to interact in entirely unexpected ways. Moreover, the fictional characters are well drawn and blend surprisingly well with the electronic doppelgangers. Overall, this was a nice first start to a very original series. Time will tell if its central premise proves compelling in the end, but for now "The Demi-Monde" represents and excellent first step on what promises to be an interesting journey.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Brave Movie Theater: Storybook and Movie Projector; Author: Susan Amerikaner; Review: This is a neat little movie tie in book, which my daughter has genuinely enjoyed, but the projector/reels are cheap and difficult to use. Moreover, they are constantly popping out and are too dim to use with the book. Ultimately the idea is fun, but the execution is poor. Jake Mohlman; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black; Author: Visit Amazon's E. B. Hudspeth Page; Review: I love the idea of this book, an anatomy of mythical creatures, but the execution does live up to the promise. The surrounding story is rather dull, and the illustrations, while well executed, are fairly bland. Not a total disappointment, but nowhere near what it could have been.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Annihilation (The Southern Reach Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff VanderMeer Page; Review: I'm somewhat conflicted as I write this review for a number of reasons. First and foremost is because I have always found Jeff Vandermeer to be incredibly gracious and thoughtful when dealing with his fans, so it is difficult to write anything negative. Two, because in spite of its flaws, I enjoyed "Annihilation". And finally, third, because at only ~200 pages, and being the first book in a trilogy, it's difficult to judge this book as a stand alone entity. By way of summation, the book is set in Area X, a geographic region of indeterminate size and unusual properties that has begun encroaching upon the rest of the continent (no specific country or region is ever named, nor is one necessary). The protagonist is an unnamed biologist and member of the most recent expedition to study the region. As things quickly begin to unravel, the reader views the action through her (uncertain) eyes both in the present and through back-story. The premise is intriguing and the writing is brisk with a palpable sense of tension permeating the text. The menace underlying Area X is left deliberately and effectively vague, with the seeming normalcy of the narrator's descriptions belied by the known outcomes of previous expeditions. If I have a complaint, it is that the author strikes many of the exact same chords he has in his previous books and in much the same way. Decay/civilization in decline are paramount themes, and the use of fungus as an agent of that change is once again foremost. There's nothing wrong with any of these thematic elements, and Vandermeer is quite deft in his writing, but I couldn't help but feeling like I had already witnessed much of this novel, albeit in different form, in his Ambergris stories/novels. Nonetheless, I enjoyed "Annihilation" and look forward to the next two books in the series. Moreover, I strongly suspect that I will feel differently about this installment after having had the opportunity to digest the entire work.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Dark Inheritance (UFiles #1); Author: Chris d'Lacey; Review: I turned to my eleven year old for a target audience review (below). He absolutely devoured the book and was eagerly looking for the second volume as soon as he finished it. I have a tough time reviewing YA books as the writing is by definition, juvenile, but the plot was robust enough to carry the story, and the writing was good in an age appropriate way. In this book, the main character, Michael Malone, discovers he has the power to alter reality after saving a dog from jumping off a cliff. He then is recruited by a top-secret organization called UNICORNE. I enjoyed meeting Michael, his classmate Freya, his mom, and his sister. My favorite part of the book was when Michael accidently makes one of the UNICORNE agents into his au pair (and then his doctor, and then his French teacher) by altering reality. One of my favorite characters is Freya, because we both like to draw dragons and like dogs. Overall, it was a great book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Old Wolf; Author: Visit Amazon's Avi Page; Review: The author deserves credit for trying to intertwine two stories, one from the perspective of animals and the other from the perspective of a 13 year old boy. However, as other reviewers have pointed out, the two stories never quite mesh, and interestingly, my daughter and I both found the wolf arc to much more compelling. The writing is well targeted at 9-10 year olds, in that it is challenging without being overwhelming, and avoids the condescendingly simple language one often encounters in books for this age group. Old Wolf is a book that will particularly appeal to children who are interested in animals/wildlife/nature and is interesting if ultimately not completely satisfying read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Station Eleven; Author: Visit Amazon's Emily St. John Mandel Page; Review: I have read a lot of post-apocolyptic stories. I mean A LOT. This one does not involve vampires, werewolves, aliens, or unusually crazy people. It is such a great story. This was very well written and the narrative was easy to follow. I have recommended this book to a lot of people, including my friend, the librarian!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: We Were Liars; Author: Visit Amazon's E. Lockhart Page; Review: This book was very well written. I enjoy reading YA books for their ease and subject matter. This one was thought provoking and a little disturbing. I finished it weeks ago, but I still think about it (in a good way). I would recommend this book to anyone; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tin Men: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Christopher Golden Page; Review: Tin Men is based on a fairly intriguing premise, namely that the U.S. military creates robot drones controlled by soldier who upload their consciousness into the machines for the duration of their patrol. This allows the U.S. to conduct bloodless (for them anyway) interdictions across the globe with the only risk being the relatively nominal expense of the occasional destroyed drone. However, when someone figures out how to trap the operators in the drones, the equation changes in an eyeblink. This is territory that has been mined before, no least by Joe Haldeman in Forever Peace, however, the separation of mind and body in a definitive way is a new and interesting wrinkle. Unfortunately, author Christopher Golden never convinced me that the operators were experiencing the profound existential dread that would come from having your consciousness cut off from your physical body. Moreover, they both recognize the situation and accept it far more quickly than seems reasonable. As such, I found myself far more interested in the (significant) action involving flesh and blood humans. Theres nothing wrong with this, but it is clearly not intended to be the core focus of the book. Moreover, since the hook here is a really cool an innovative technology, one would think the author would really spend some time fleshing out what the drones look like, how they are armed, what their specs are, etc., but overall I found their description rather cursory, and as such I never felt all that invested in the concept. Golden does deserve credit for tackling some serious question about the scope and price of Americas global footprint, which is often glossed over with the unabashed jingoism that makes most military fiction unreadable in my opinion. Moreover, he comes up with a genuinely unique hook on a subject that is at the front and center of Americas current military policy. However, at the end of the day, the story just wasn't developed enough to truly draw me in.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: This Census-Taker; Author: Visit Amazon's China Miville Page; Review: Im always leery of reviewing China Mievilles books because I know that he is intensely cautious of spoilers; which I find admirable if not entirely realistic. So that said, Im going to shy away from plot, which you can find summarized elsewhere, and instead focus on the writing which, as a huge fan of Mieville, I can say is a definite change of pace the author. Mieville has famously said that he aspires to write a book in every genre, and while he has made good on that threat repeatedly, he has always been characterized by his florid (and I used that in the most positive possible sense) prose, but This Census Taker offers something much different. The writing is light andsubjective, for lack of a better phrase, with the narrator slipping from first to third person as the mood strikes. There is an airiness to the writing that mirrors the mountainous locale of the narrative. Nonetheless, the spare nature of the prose creates a palpable unease, even when describing the most mundane aspects of daily life. As much as I have enjoyed all of Mievilles books, I usually; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Super Cool Tech: Technology, Invention, Innovation; Author: Visit Amazon's DK Page; Review: I loved survey books like this when I was a kid, and my ten year old daughter is thoroughly enjoying Super Cool Tech. For kids with varied interests or whose attention wanders, these types of books are a great opportunity to encourage reading with real scientific value with a visually appealing, snappy approach. There is also enough variation between technology available today and the technology of tomorrow to keep the book feeling grounded and not utterly fanciful. This is a great book for any kids interested in STEM.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The LEGO Batman Movie: The Making of the Movie; Author: DK; Review: This is a beautiful book with tons of illustrations that also offers a surprisingly in depth look into the making of the Lego Batman Movie. My seven year old twins have been devouring it since the moment it arrived and I have to admit I've been sneaking peaks when I can.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions Craft Kit; Author: Klutz; Review: The one downside of Legos these days is that the sets have become so elaborate and specialized that kids are less incented to disassemble and make their own creations. This book goes a long way towards sparking creativity by requiring that you use your own bricks (along with a small number of included specialty bricks) to build the machines outlined in the book. And the machines themselves are really cool! Per the book, Lego worked with 11 year olds to design them, so they really represent a nice balance of learning and whimsy. Plus, because the machines are Lego based, it is much easier for your kids to tackle these projects on their own, than some of the very nice, but very elaborate, science toys on the market right now.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ultimate LEGO Star Wars; Author: Andrew Becraft; Review: My kids love these books, and I have to say I'm a pretty big fan too. Detailing every Star Wars Lego set over the last 20 years, it's an absolute joy to flip through, and also fascinating to see how sophisticated both the sets and the minifigs have become.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Singapore Math Practice, Level 3A, Grade 4; Author: Frank Schaffer Publications; Review: Great math review. My son loves working on books like this on his own, and there's enough variety and challenge in this volume to keep him engaged.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Minority Report (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: XXX: Special Edition (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Road to Perdition (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Wizard of Oz: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sum of All Fears (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pearl Harbor (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sound of Music (1965); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Castle (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Vanilla Sky (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Anna and the King (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cool Hand Luke (1967); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hart's War (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dark Blue World (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Count of Monte Cristo (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Panic Room (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Beautiful Mind (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Family Man (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Charlie's Angels (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Hawk Down (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Men of Honor (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enemy at the Gates (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ice Age (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: There's Something About Mary: Special Edition (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Pie 2 (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: U-571 (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Cider House Rules (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Frequency (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Pie (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Swordfish (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Behind Enemy Lines (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Moulin Rouge (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Traffic (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crouching Tiger (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chocolat (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magnolia (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Parents (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tuck Everlasting (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Signs (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Atlantis: Milo's Return (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Nemesis (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Tuxedo (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Ring (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Storm (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gangs of New York (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bulletproof Monk (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Four Feathers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde 2: Red (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Core (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Mighty Wind (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Nurse Betty (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: X2: X-Men United (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Amy (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dances With Wolves: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seabiscuit (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: X-Men (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Spanish Prisoner (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Under the Tuscan Sun (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Matchstick Men (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mail Call: The Best of Season 1 (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Coupling: Season 1 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rare Birds (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jerry Maguire (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Field of Dreams (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Good Will Hunting (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Daredevil (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocky (1976); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sling Blade (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Daddy Day Care (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chicago (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Full-screen) (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Babe (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dead Poets Society (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last of the Mohicans (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Philadelphia (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Saving Private Ryan (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jeeves and Wooster: Season 1 (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The 20th Anniversary (Rerelease) (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Brother Bear (Theatrical Widescreen Version) (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cold Creek Manor (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Treasure Planet (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down With Love (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Radio (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: View from the Top (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Band of Brothers (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mona Lisa Smile (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 24: Season 1 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 1 (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Coupling: Season 2 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coupling: Season 3 (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Paycheck (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Bride (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 50 First Dates (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Aladdin: Platinum Edition (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shrek 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleepy Hollow (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Sense (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Right Stuff (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sin City (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Extended Edition (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Secret Window (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone with the Wind: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibles (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Galaxy Quest (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Fish (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Toy Story (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Notebook (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mary Poppins (1964); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Extended Edition (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grease (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alias: Season 2 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Collateral (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Battlestar Galactica: The Miniseries (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alias: Season 3 (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Usual Suspects (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fifth Element (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alias: Season 1 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Back to the Future (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sahara (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 24: Season 2 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Singin' in the Rain (1952); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dark City (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enemy of the State (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Perfect Murder (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Negotiator (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: RomAntica INN; City: Rome Lazio; Review: This apartment is a studio and it is very comfortable and quiet and its also a stone's throw from the best sites in Rome, including the Forum and the Colosseum. There are all the utilities you need including a washing machine, internet via a key and the bed was very comfortable. The landlord is welcoming and very helpful and we had a wonderful time here. Near the appartment there are a number of great restaurants (fantastic Indian too!) and bars and the main Piazza of Monti has a great aperitivo place. There was also an English Bookshop nearby and a Cinema 15 minutes walk away that had films in English.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Villa Janto; City: Casamicciola Terme Isola d Ischia Province of Naples Campania; Review: Honestly this has got to be one of the best places I have ever stayed. We were treated on one hand like royalty and on the other like close family friends. There was nothing that we asked for that was not delivered promptly and with a smile. This property is a 16 bedroom retreat in the hills with lovingly tendered gardens and plenty of quiet leafy areas to sit and relax. It is 5 minutes by car to Lacco Ameno and transport was not a problem as guests are driven to the beaches below and brought back through the day and into the night! There is an ample pool, a small thermal pool that doubles as a spa with low levels of salt (the effect on your skin is heavenly). There is also a thermal steam room with vapors coming directly from the thermal waters. My husband and I chose to have the full package which included 3 meals daily - and we were rendered speechless by the quality of the produce (all grown on the property) and the wonderful cooking provided. Everything was so affordable we ended up getting daily professional massages in the peaceful spa on the premises. Our room was immaculate, quiet and had everything we needed. Aperitives and candlelit dinners on the terrace were a highlight. Quite simply if you are looking for a classy affordable place to completely unwind with excellent food, warm and attentive staff, good facilities and easy access to the Island's sights, you won't get better than this.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Canova; City: Rome Lazio; Review: I booked this hotel for location and price only ... so I wasn't expecting much. We were very pleasantly surprised!! This is a perfect hotel for those who want to spend their time visiting the best of Rome without spending very much money but still with all the essential comforts. The room was clean but small - but it had a walk in cupboard so all our gear was our of the way and to be honest it had everything we needed for our midweek stay. The bathroom was big and the shower very clean (new perhaps?) and hot! Breakfast on the terrace looking over the rooftops a big plus. The bed was comfortable (so often not the case in Rome!!) and the staff very friendly. If you're looking for a clean and comfortable cheap three star hotel in the best location - this is perfect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Adrina Beach; City: Panormos Skopelos Sporades; Review: Adrina Beach Hotel delivers what it promises on its website. The accommodation and facilities meet all the requirements of a four star hotel and the location (above all the beaches) are even better in real life. Next door is the resort with facilities available to both sites which means spa treatments and a crèche run by two - three qualified child carers. There are restaurants and numerous bars at both locations that provide great food and beverages (and the portions are very generous!!) and all the pools are clean and big and there's also a dive centre on site. So all in all its a great four star hotel but that's not what blew us away because let's face it, any place with a location like Adrina's is going to get good reviews. Where Adrina really excels is in its staff and service - it's not just excellent, it's genuine. When we arrived our son fell ill and in less that half an hour they had a pediatrician at our door. They sent staff off to pharmacies to find medicine for us, they picked us up from a nearby town when we got caught in the rain, they checked on us constantly, always smiled and assisted us and there was not one staff member of the whole complex who didn't do all they could for us - it really was quite astounding. So for this (if a truly relaxing and pampered break is what you are after) we fully recommend the beach hotel. We will definitely be going back.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Paradise Relais Villa Janto; City: Casamicciola Terme Isola d Ischia Province of Naples Campa; Review: My husband and I arrived with our 3 year old son, stressed, tired and desperate for some quality holiday time and I have to say that the people who run this hotel are experts in delivering just that. We were given a room with a terrace and stunning views across to Pozzuoli and Naples. The room was clean and basic (think white, clean Greek style) with a private terrace and peace and quiet all around us. Best of all we were mere paces from the terrace restaurant which meant being able to eat exquisite food and taste great wine on a terrace that probably boasts some of the best views on the island and all whilst our son slept soundly only meters away. Another thing to note is the quality of the food - everything is either grown by the hotel or of the highest quality (the Limoncello was like no other I or my Italian husband had ever tasted) At breakfast, for example there were organic juices made from various plants I’d never tried before that were just divine and an abundance of cakes, pastries, fruits and even a cooked breakfast for those who wanted it. In short, the location is perfect, peaceful and just a downhill walk to town. The hotel provides a shuttle service all day and late into the evening for those who’d prefer it which means you can be in the hustle and bustle in minutes and then retreat to the quiet atmosphere back at the hotel when you’re ready. Our room was basic, the bathroom was very simple but we were really comfortable and had a gorgeous terrace with unbeatable views. There’s a quiet thermal pool and a great outdoor one too. There are massages and beauty treatments for those who want them and flowers everywhere but what makes this hotel such good value is the service provided and the quiet ambience the owners have created. I highly recommend it - we will definitely be back soon!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hotel Cala d Or; City: Cala d Or Majorca Balearic Islands; Review: Nice hotel, is clean and right on the beach which is great although rooms are quite small and there is only 1 lift to the pool area which takes a few minutes to travel a few flight of stairs. Very close to Cala D'or resturants and nightlife so can eat there for cheap if only B&B. Pool bar is nice and cheap for sandwhiches etc in the day. Think hotel is over priced - you have to pay for Wifi and it doesnt work in every room which is annoying; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blue Lagoon Resort; City: Kos Town Kos Dodecanese South Aegean; Review: Hotel looked nice on arrival when we arrived at 11pm at night and had a free glass of bubbly. Rooms were okay although basic and old looking. We had a ground floor room and we kept finding cockroaches and if we had the door open then would come into our room. The food was okay although bland and towards the end of our stay there was only 1 restaurant open which no-one told us about - the tour guides from Thompson weren't very helpful either when asking about departure etc. The beach outside the hotel was full of washed up boats and lifejackets and wasnt a very nice beach - had to walk about half an hour to walk to kos town which wasnt too bad. Wouldnt stay there again and the hotel was definitely not a 5* - the wifi kept cutting out and wouldnt work in the bedrooms; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Coral Sea Sensatori Sharm El Sheikh; City: Sharm El Sheikh South Sinai Red Sea and Sinai; Review: Upgraded to a swim up room on arrival, swim up room was amazing and room was lovely. Staff were very friendly and the restaurants were good. You had to pay extra for some resturants but it was worth it, we ate in the asian restaurant and would highly rrecommend the beef rang dang. hotel is in rubbish area and as soon as you leave complex are bombarded by locals wanting to sell you things. Went in feb so it got dark quite early so felt like you didn't get much sun.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Casa Ceiba Maria; City: Cala d Or Majorca Balearic Islands; Review: Me and my partner stayed at this hotel for 10 nights from 19th July, we arrived early hours of the morning but one of the workers was happy to greet us and show us to our room. Our room was lovely and had lots of character, the bathroom with a big size and had a really good shower, the rooms are cleaned daily. Breakfast is lovely and you can have eggs and bacon which is a nice touch. Sindy and Andre were lovely and very welcoming, they remembered our names and when we were leaving etc which was a really nice touch. The pool is very big and there are quite a few sunbeds to use. I would definitely recommend this hotel it is fab.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NH Amsterdam Noord; City: Amsterdam North Holland Province; Review: Very nice hotel, with free shuttle bus to Amsterdam city centre every 15-20 mins, breakfast was very nice and had a variety of food to choose from. Staff were very friendly and professional and I would highly recommend staying here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lake Pochard Holiday Lodges; City: Cirencester Cotswolds England; Review: Stayed in a 2 bed lodge, was very spacious and clean, inside was very modern and had great kitchen facilities and a very large bathroom. Would recommend staying here, it is very close to Cirencester town centre where there are lots of nice bars and restaurants; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hart s Hotel; City: Nottingham Nottinghamshire England; Review: 5 stars for a Nottingham hotel (not necessarily for the French Riviera, but everything is relative.) Tough to find a quiet place without Hen and Stag parties ruling the roost in Nottingham, but we've been staying here for years for rowing events, and never been disappointed. The staff is lovely and the food is also unusually good for Nottingham. Central location. Make sure to pre-book the restaurant if it's a busy time in Nottingham. Also dog friendly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Golden Well Hotel; City: Prague Bohemia; Review: This gem of a hotel is situated above the maddening touristic crowds and is the perfect restful environment for visiting Prague. The staff bent over backwards to meet our needs. There was a great be speedo machine in each room. The views were awesome and the restaurant outstanding. I am persnickety and yet, couldn't find a fault.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Continental; City: Brno South Moravian Region Moravia; Review: Very fun colourful design. Krupa coffee machine in room. Great views, ask for sixth floor and above. Staff was efficient. A bit of warmth and charm missing. But great business hotel in central location. Very comfortable bed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Medical SPA Egles Sanatorija Birstonas; City: Birstonas Kaunas County; Review: Desk staff were difficult, rooms are spartan at best, you pay extra for everything except breakfast which had such short hours that we missed it. Massage was a lot of hand moving with very little pressure and not very therapeutic despite asking for more pressure pretty regularly.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Can Mostatxins; City: Alcudia Majorca Balearic Islands; Review: The people who work here are charming and very friendly. Very sexy jacuzzi and lobby, with small cramped damp rooms, and nobody at the desk except for checkin and breakfast. We wouldn't have minded this if this is what we paid for. However we paid for an upgraded room at what is called a Hotel.The room was tiny, damp and cramped--without an opening window (a bigger one had just been installed that looked into the jacuzzi courtyard, but didn't open and didn't let in much light.) A wet bathing suit stayed wet for 2 entire days. There's not heat in the bathroom that we could find, nor heated towel bars. The jacuzzi was lukewarm. The walkways were flooding from the leaks in the overhead protection. Again, we don't mind cramped rooms with no desk service if we book that level of stay. For Alcudia and what we got, we felt it was overpriced. Disappointed.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hotel Stanford; City: New York City New York; Review: Front desk staff so helpful and considerate. Room was really lovely. Thank you Jack and Erwin. Did you find my earring?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dunbrody Country House Hotel; City: Arthurstown County Wexford; Review: Having received Blue Book Vouchers for Christmas we decided to head over to Dunbrody House as I enjoy Kevin Dundon on TV and his cookery demonstrations at SuperValu. We arrived to the main front door which was locked and had to find another entrance as nobody answered our knocking. At back entrance we were greeted a young man and a young woman (both as far as I could see were Dining/Kitchen Staff) Young man brought us to our suite which had a nice view of the garden. Room was comfortable with plenty of hot water in the shower/bath. Rang reception several times - no reply. Ate in the pub which was fine - reasonably priced. Enjoyed Hook Head Lighthouse and our visit to New Ross. Returned to Dunbrody House. Front door still locked . Was greeted very politely by a very young girl with a bundle of towels. Rang reception from our room several times - still no reply. Eventually I rang the hotel number . Got a reply and got my ice and ironing board. Dinner was OK. Still no sign of any senior staff like a manager or reception staff. Saw Kevin Dundon and said 'hi Kevin I recognise you ' and he nodded and went on his way. We paid our bill and departed without speaking or chatting to any senior staff. Left feeling disgruntled and certainly would not return.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ashgrove House; City: Bunratty County Clare; Review: Park House lived up to all the excellent reviews. Beautiful Rooms,friendly helpful staff, peace, tranquility and unexpectedly - beautiful weather. Beware of breakfast menu - we ordered Irish Breakfast and pancakes - failed to read at the bottom of the menu that pancakes were €10.00 extra and the staff member didn't point it wout when we ordered. Peeved me a bit but on the whole we had a wonderful weekend. Kenmare has wonderful restaurants . We ate at the Mews was delicious.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lebua Lucknow; City: Lucknow Lucknow District Uttar Pradesh; Review: Spotlessly clean. Friendly staff and helpful. Delicious breakfasts. Bedrooms built around Beautiful courtyard . Highly recommend this hotel Centrally located in a quiet district of. Lucknow Lucknow is anything but quiet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ashley Park House; City: Nenagh County Tipperary; Review: This hotel is a work in progress. We attended a family wedding. The location - overlooking a lake - was wonderful. The food was delicious. Staff were friendly, chatty and funny. The owner chipped in with the staff to create a lovely atmosphere. Our room was in the Dove Cottages which are refurbished stables. Highly recommend. Doing a great job and so much work.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sept 11th Memorial Edition; Brand: Various; Review: Everyone remembers where they were when Kennedy was shot and they remember where they were on 9/11 ... but time goes by and details start to fade and we need to remember; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chicago Cubs: The Heart & Soul of Chicago; Brand: Bob Costas; Review: I lived about 20 miles north of Chicago for many years. I now live in Indiana and a dear friend lives in Colorado. I sent my friend a copy of this and she loved it. Then she loaned it to her daughter ... well, you know how that goes, then it's loaned to someone else and before you know it, it's mia. During the course of the coming year, I would like to get one for my friend, one for each of my grown children and one for me. I feel like just about anybody would enjoy this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Michael Tilson Thomas: The Thomashefskys; Brand: Michael Tilson Thomas; Review: I mentioned this to my daughter's mother-in-law and she immediately started to tell me all about it - as a child, her parents had gone to the theatre and she knew all about this family. I ordered a copy for her and a copy for me. Now her memories are "shared memories" we can both enjoy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Up (Mandarin Chinese Edition); Brand: Bob Peterson; Review: My husband and I have watched this movie several times (we're in our late 60s). My son and his wife have a copy (30s). Many of both our friends love this movie so I would say your age doesn't matter. Definitely would recommend this movie to anyone I know.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year; Brand: Henry Winkler; Review: We love this movie and have seen it several times. I decided to buy it for a gift for someone (they were very pleased). There is humor, there are sensitive moments, it's just a great movie with "moments" you will always remember. I highly recommend this movie.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Up TM 3/SD/EC; Brand: Ed Asner; Review: My husband and I have watched this movie several times (we're in our late 60s). My son and his wife have a copy (30s). Many of both our friends love this movie so I would say your age doesn't matter. Definitely would recommend this movie to anyone I know.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Les Paul: Live in New York; Brand: Les Paul; Review: This was a gift for someone who plays guitar and has played in New York at the Iridium. I think all guitar players love Les Paul. He was really something else.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Castle: Season 4; Brand: Nathan Fillion; Review: We love this series and never miss a show. We always buy the DVD when it becomes available. I wonder what our children will think when the time comes for them to go through our strange collection of DVDs ? lol; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Celtic Thunder: Storm; Brand: Celtic Thunder Ltd; Review: I love this group and I love their music. I was clicking channels when they were on PBS and I have been a fan ever since. They are all delightful, charming young men with beautiful voices, an easy smile and a beautiful voice. You hear solos and various groups of them singing together and each song is wonderful. This was the first one they did that was more like singing and acting and it was delightful so I ordered both the DVD and the CD. It seems like their shows are always sold out and everyone is smiling.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Voyage; Brand: Celtic Thunder; Review: There are plenty of songs on you tube if you have never heard them before. They are a group of men and each one has a beautiful voice and is great at what they do. The first time I heard them sing was when they were on PBS and I was clicking through the channels on the tv - but I stopped as soon as I heard them sing. I have been a devoted fan since that first song. They have never disappointed me. When you see them live or watch a DVD, you'll notice that the audience is from the young to the old and all points in-between. I love the sound of their songs, I love the song selection, I love the production of each number ... they are just awesome. If you have heard them before, you know you won't be disappointed with any of their CDs or DVDs. If you have never heard them before, check them out and listen to a little clip or watch something on you tube - you won't be disappointed. Then pick anything they have done and you will find yourself smiling or singing along ... or there may be a song or two that will bring a tear to your eye because it touched you. This group never disappoints.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fairfield Road; Brand: Jesse Metcalfe; Review: My husband told me he wanted to watch a movie and I said "no problem" ... he told me he loved this movie and had seen it many times. While we were watching the movie on tv, he mentioned several times what a great movie it was. During a commercial, I quickly checked Amazon & you had the movie. I ordered the movie and went back to finish watching it with my husband, The CD arrived on time in a few days and I asked my husband to open the package for me because I was busy doing something. I wish you could have seen his face. He was surprise & very happy - and, of course, that made me happy too; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Mattress America Revive Gel Memory Foam Mattress, 12" H, Queen; Brand: Mattress America; Review: Overall a great find! I have had this mattress for 5 days and I haven't slept this well in years! Firm, but soft, finds your pressure points. I am a very satisfied customer!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 3-Tier Scroll Wall Mount Spice Rack - Sturdy Hanging Organizer Ideal for Closet, Kitchen or Pantry Can Storage; Brand: Unum; Review: This is a well made rack. I love the design, very cute and can be used in a lot of spaces besides the kitchen.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zinus Upholstered Button Tufted Platform Bed with Wooden Slats, King; Brand: Zinus; Review: I bought this bed in the spring and still love it. Very sturdy, high enough for storage. Overall a great buy for the price. Its a simple design, easy to clean and maintain.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Winsome 94084 Satori Stool, 24", Walnut; Brand: Winsome; Review: These are nice and sturdy. Look clean, a good buy overall; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eclipse 11353052X084WHT Fresno 52-Inch by 84-Inch Blackout Single Window Curtain Panel, Wheat; Brand: Eclipse; Review: Nice and dark. Cools room. Good buy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Greenland Home Blooming Prairie Patchwork Panel Pair; Brand: Greenland Home; Review: These are lovely curtains. They have a charming farm feel to them. The buttons on top are a nice touch.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deconovo Blackout Curtain, 52x63 Inch|-1PCS, Light Blue; Brand: Deconovo; Review: Love these! The tops are neat with thick, metal holes for easy install. They hang well, I have bought these a couple of times. Always been pleased.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NICETOWN Balloon Blind Curtain for Doors - Tie Up Shade Blackout Curtain for Bedroom Window (Toffee Brown, Rod Pocket; Brand: NICETOWN; Review: These are ok...not exactly what I expected but they are functional. The sides and middle have quite a bit of excess material you have to manage, and that is the worse thing about these. If you have the patience to fold/roll excess up, and clip it somehow, you would probably have more success than I had.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lavish Home Memory Foam Striped Extra Long Bath Mat, 24 by 60", White; Brand: Lavish Home; Review: Great item. Nice and thick, good quality; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Starship Enterprise Star Trek Space Art Print van Gogh Never Boldly Went Art by Aja choose size and type of; Brand: ; Review: I thought this would look more like a painting, but it is very obviously a print of some kind. It is an ok item, but I was a little disappointed in it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Eileen West Women's Short Button Front Cotton Lawn Robe; Brand: Eileen West; Review: Love this light weight, comfortable and feminine night gown.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aria Women's Flutter Sleeve Short Knit Gown; Brand: Aria; Review: This is a pretty night gown. The fabric is light-weight, but not cheap. Very comfortable. I will purchase from this manufacturer again. I felt the cost of the product was in line with the quality and is what I was hoping / expecting since I have a night gown by this manufacturer, but it is several years old. It finally wore out and I was pleased that the quality hasn't changed over the years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mephisto Women's Helen Twist Gladiator Sandal; Brand: Mephisto; Review: Expensive but worth it. I have flat feet and need metatarsal support along with the arch support. Have tried many brands, and styles within brands. This is a very comfortable sandal. I wish they had the same foot bed in more styles, I would definitely purchase more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Roamans Women's Plus Size Notch Neck Tunic; Brand: ; Review: This fits a little too long, but since the color, fabric, and quality are all good, I decided to keep. I love the relaxed tunic style, especially if the side seams at the hem are split, which they are in this shirt. I only wish that I could order a petite - but often find that my size (in the bust area) isn't available in petite. It is a shame, because I'm short and this style would look much nicer if the length fit me correctly. However, this isn't the manufacturer's fault.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aisun Women's Slip On Platform Loafers Canvas Shoes Sneakers; Brand: Aisun; Review: Did not fit - and I did follow the manufacturer's size chart. I was not impressed with the quality and they didn't provide any support. They also took longer than other shoes to arrive. I've only had one other pair take longer, and they shipped from China. The seller was helpful and I was able to return. I think if I didn't have problem feet, they might have been okay, especially if you have your own insoles or a particular brand of insole that you know works for you, that you could put in place of the insoles that came with the shoe. It almost felt like a generic cushion that you get in inexpensive slippers; no natural foot bed to support your heel or arch, etc.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Taos Footwear Women's Dandy Slip On; Brand: ; Review: Looked to be well made. I was unable to wear do to the extreme arch support. After wearing around on carpet for about 10 minutes, my feet were in such pain that I couldn't wear any longer. This particular brand (I ordered another style by Taos and had the same experience) has what I would call extreme arch support - so if that is what you need' or are looking for, this is the brand for you. I have flat feet and they were very painful. Also in my opinion they run somewhat small. For expample, based on their size chart (not amazon's) I anticipated that I would be able to wear very thin socks with these, but I couldn't wear anything other than nylon knee highs when trying these on. If they had been comfortable to me, I would have kept and just worn without socks. I was really disappointed because they are cute shoes and just the style I was hoping to find. I had never tried Taos shoes before, but they were recommended to me. I need a shoe with metatarsal support, and this brand came up as one to try, however the arch support was just too high.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Klogs Footwear Womens Cali; Brand: Klogs Footwear; Review: These appeared to be high quality shoes. They were also attractive. They just didn't fit my foot. There was almost too much cushion, but didn't have a noticeable metatarsal support. I know they say that you can take the insoles out, and put in your own, but I do not have professional orthodics. However, if I do get some in the future, I will definitely give these shoes another try.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Assassins (1995); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lion King, The (1994); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Drama, Musical, IMAX; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Money Talks (1997); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mulan (1998); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Drama, Musical, Romance; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Psycho (1960); Genres: Crime, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Carrie (1976); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Rosemary's Baby (1968); Genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fly, The (1958); Genres: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Haunting, The (1963); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Little Shop of Horrors, The (1960); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Misery (1990); Genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alien (1979); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jaws (1975); Genres: Action, Horror; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Exorcist, The (1973); Genres: Horror, Mystery; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thing, The (1982); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Birds, The (1963); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bride of Frankenstein, The (Bride of Frankenstein) (1935); Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Omen, The (1976); Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Halloween (1978); Genres: Horror; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Poltergeist (1982); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: King Kong (1933); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Horror; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Frankenstein (1931); Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (a.k.a. Ghost Busters) (1984); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Heavy Metal (1981); Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night of the Living Dead (1968); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Army of Darkness (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Evil Dead II (Dead by Dawn) (1987); Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Werewolf in London, An (1981); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fly, The (1986); Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dracula (1931); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scream (1996); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The (1974); Genres: Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mummy, The (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fright Night (1985); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: From Dusk Till Dawn (1996); Genres: Action, Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Serial Mom (1994); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Horror; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Nightmare on Elm Street, A (1984); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gremlins (1984); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocky Horror Picture Show, The (1975); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Musical, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blair Witch Project, The (1999); Genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Little Shop of Horrors (1986); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Musical; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Prophecy, The (1995); Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dracula (Bram Stoker's Dracula) (1992); Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Phantasm (1979); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Frighteners, The (1996); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mummy, The (1932); Genres: Horror, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mummy, The (1959); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wolf Man, The (1941); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pit and the Pendulum (1961); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sleepy Hollow (1999); Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Horror of Dracula (Dracula) (1958); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994); Genres: Drama, Horror; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Advocate (1997); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Child's Play (1988); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Creepshow (1982); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Toxic Avenger, The (1985); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Amityville Horror, The (1979); Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pet Sematary (1989); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ravenous (1999); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Son of Frankenstein (1939); Genres: Horror; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992); Genres: Action, Comedy, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fog, The (1980); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alien: Resurrection (1997); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bride of Chucky (Child's Play 4) (1998); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Faculty, The (1998); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tingler, The (1959); Genres: Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Firestarter (1984); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Species (1995); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Candyman (1992); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, The (1986); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 13th Warrior, The (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Craft, The (1996); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alien³ (a.k.a. Alien 3) (1992); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scream 2 (1997); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Idle Hands (1999); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Phantasm II (1988); Genres: Action, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (Frankenstein) (1994); Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: In the Mouth of Madness (1995); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tales from the Crypt Presents: Bordello of Blood (1996); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Blob, The (1958); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters II (1989); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dark Half, The (1993); Genres: Horror, Mystery; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: April Fool's Day (1986); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Urban Legend (1998); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Vampires (1998); Genres: Horror, Western; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Wolf (1994); Genres: Drama, Horror, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Phantoms (1998); Genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge, A (1985); Genres: Horror; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, A (1987); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Swamp Thing (1982); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lord of Illusions (1995); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Damien: Omen II (1978); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997); Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter (1984); Genres: Horror; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: House (1986); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990); Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Psycho (1998); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Thinner (1996); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Relic, The (1997); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Disturbing Behavior (1998); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Virus (1999); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: American Werewolf in Paris, An (1997); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monkey Shines (1988); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepwalkers (1992); Genres: Horror; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998); Genres: Horror; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers) (1995); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Exorcist III, The (1990); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (Halloween 7: The Revenge of Laurie Strode) (1998); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Piranha (1978); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scream 3 (2000); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge (1991); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: King Kong Lives (1986); Genres: Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Gate, The (1987); Genres: Horror; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Haunting, The (1999); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Psycho II (1983); Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995); Genres: Fantasy, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, A (1988); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th Part 3: 3D (1982); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998); Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Fright Night Part II (1988); Genres: Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Psycho III (1986); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Curse of the Puppet Master (Puppet Master 6: The Curse) (1998); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jaws 2 (1978); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child, A (1989); Genres: Horror; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Prom Night II (1987); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Children of the Corn (1984); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: House II: The Second Story (1987); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Species II (1998); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Child's Play 2 (1990); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Graveyard Shift (Stephen King's Graveyard Shift) (1990); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (a.k.a. The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre) (1994); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rage: Carrie 2, The (1999); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Puppet Master 4 (1993); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter (1994); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pumpkinhead (1988); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Amityville II: The Possession (1982); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Child's Play 3 (1991); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Prophecy II, The (1998); Genres: Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982); Genres: Horror; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Carnosaur (1993); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prom Night III: The Last Kiss (1989); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Toxic Avenger, Part II, The (1989); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie, The (1989); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Amityville: Dollhouse (1996); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Amityville: A New Generation (1993); Genres: Horror; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Jaws 3-D (1983); Genres: Action, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Machine (1994); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985); Genres: Horror; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Carnosaur 2 (1995); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Amityville 1992: It's About Time (1992); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Amityville Curse, The (1990); Genres: Horror; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Children of the Corn III (1994); Genres: Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: RTIC 30 oz Stainless Steel Tumbler Cup w/ Splash Proof Lid; Brand: RTIC; Review: I put large ice cubes in the tumbler at 9:45 am & now it's 9:10 pm & still ice . The cap gets a thumb down. In 12 hrs the cap leaks when you drink. Caps no good for outdoors where bugs can fly in the drinking hole. NO cap or seal over hole. 12 hrs use & ordered a new cap with drink cover.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pure Clean Handheld Multi-Surface Bag-Less Suction Cyclone Vacuum Cleaner - Corded; Brand: Pure Clean; Review: This is a quality vac. Heavy plastic, nice feel to it. Good suction. This vac is made for small rooms large rooms area that the large vac can't get at. Filter less filter is great. Easy dump. This vac is 110v. No battery to charge.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Royal 1000 Count Wood Coffee Beverage Stirrers, 5.5"; Brand: Royal; Review: Great for stirring coffee; hobby paintings; wood products.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 6oz Primo 18/8 #304 Stainless Steel Premium/Heavy Duty Hip Liquor Flasks - 50% Thicker Than Other Flasks; Brand: Primo Liquor Flasks; Review: Well made stainless steel. They say not for juices. Good for water & liquors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rihe Paintworks Paint By Number Kits Diy Oil Painting Unique Gift-Lover 16x20 Inch (Frameless); Brand: RIHE; Review: Great fun.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Crosse Technology WS-8008U-IT Atomic Digital Wall Clock with Temperature; Brand: La Crosse Technology; Review: Great clock; easy to set. Only one thing at some angles the clock was hard to read. I think this is the same with all digitals. Sometimes a 3 looks like a 8.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pegasus Home Reversible Furniture Protector, Sofa, Olive/Sage; Brand: Pegasus Home Fashions; Review: Nice furniture cover. You need some elastic band to keep it in place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Collections Etc Reversible Quilted Furniture Protector Cover, Burgundy/Taupe, Sofa; Brand: Collections Etc; Review: Nice furniture cover. You need some elastic band to keep it in place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Four Alarm Atomic Clock With Auto Nightlight And Smart Touch-Activated Snooze & Backlight Function (BLACK); Brand: AccFIT; Review: This clock is great. 4 alarms & could not be easier to set. Clear easy to read. Look at the clock. All 4 alarms Times displayed right in front. I owned 2 of these clock for a few months now with no problems. Don't let some negative reviews stop you from buying this clock. But one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eureka 72A EasyClean Deluxe Lightweight Handheld Cleaner, Corded Vacuum, Red; Brand: Eureka; Review: This is a great vac. Lots of power. You can vac with or without using brushes. Long cord. Great for tight places like a boat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hurricane Wall Mount Fan - 16 Inch | Supreme Series | Wall Fan with 90 Degree Oscillation, 3 Speed; Brand: Hurricane; Review: Good fan but low speed is just too high. I have a small bedroom & low speed is too high. Papers blow around. My table top 12" worked great . Nice low speed. I needed a wall fan because of space.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Eagletec KG010 Mechanical Keyboard, USB Wired Natural Ergonomic Keyboard, Industrial; Brand: EagleTec; Review: great keyboard, but doesn't work very well with Mac OS; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers - for PC (with 3.5mm AUX & PC input); Brand: Bose; Review: definitely worth the price!!!! sound good!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PNY Turbo 16GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive, Pearl White (P-FD16GTBOPW-GE); Brand: PNY; Review: too tight to open and close, but works; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Logitech Keys-to-Go Ultra-Portable, Stand-Alone Keyboard COMPATIBLE DEVICES all iOS devices including iPad, iPhone and Apple TV 920-006701; Brand: Logitech; Review: my connect issue is solved now. I hope this find you well, if your device doesn't find this keyboard, press the Bluetooth button( on the upright), then it will work. I spend 3 hours to solve this problem, this keyboard should solve this problem well, that is why I don't give 5 star; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: JETech Case for Apple iPad Air 1st Edition (NOT for iPad Air 2), Smart Cover with Auto Wake/Sleep, Black; Brand: JETech; Review: ; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lightning; Brand: Marchpower; Review: My favorite charging cable! save me space and sockets, I use it to charge my iphone 8 plus and ps4 controllers, everything goes well!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A-tech Sl2103pt1m Is a 2 Port HDMI Switch2×1 with 3ft HDMI Pigtail Cable in ABS Black.with This HDMI Switcher You; Brand: A-technology; Review: it takes me so long to find it doesnt support 4k at all, I have bought my 4k tv for 18 months......; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Connectgear 4-Way A V Selector W S-Video With A Ir Remote And Power Adapter; Brand: Connect Gear; Review: You cannot imagine how big the difference between 30hz and 60hz is, this switch really works at 4k 60hz!! That is all I need, I brought another hdmi switch, which only works at 4k 30hz, it was terrible.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: gofanco [2-Pack DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (Black); Brand: gofanco; Review: Work great at 4k 60 Hz, but get very hot during working, hope it is safe. And a little expensive; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: HDMI Cable 3ft - HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60Hz) Ready - 28AWG Braided Cord - High Speed 18Gbps; Brand: SecurOMax; Review: Great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: iPearl mCover Hard Shell Case for 13.5-inch Microsoft Surface Book Computer (Clear); Brand: mCover; Review: It makes heat dissipation harder and the laptop cannot stay flat. See the picture.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Rolodex Mesh Collection Desk Organizer, Black (22171); Brand: Rolodex; Review: I think it could have been designed to be more functional. It basically holds vertical (pens, pencils, scissors, etc) items and horizontal (letters, papers, etc) items. No place for paper clips or other small items.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rolodex Black Mesh Desktop Organization Cube (FG9E5600BLA); Brand: Rolodex; Review: I think it could have been designed to be more functional. It basically holds vertical (pens, pencils, scissors, etc) items and horizontal (letters, papers, etc) items. No place for paper clips or other small items.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rolodex Mesh Collection Jumbo Pencil Cup, Black, 12 Count; Brand: Rolodex; Review: I think it could have been designed to be more functional. It basically holds vertical (pens, pencils, scissors, etc) items and horizontal (letters, papers, etc) items. No place for paper clips or other small items.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jesus "Prince of Peace" 2014 Wall Calendar ~ Art by Akiane ~; Brand: Art By Akiane; Review: Spiritually I feel this is the true image of Jesus. It gives me peace. God blessed a child with the ability to portray this image. The other 11 months have beautiful pictures also, all by the same child artist.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sparco SPR38950 Easel Document Holders, Adjustable, 10 x 2 x 14 Inches, Black; Brand: Sparco; Review: It was purchased for my husband to use next to his computer. It's easier to see papers on the holder rather than on the desk. He tells me it works great which is nice to hear because he can be pretty critical of things I buy for him.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Office_Products |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Monoprice 6-Feet USB 2.0 A Male to A Female Extension 28/24AWG Cable (Gold Plated) (105433); Brand: Monoprice; Review: It works for me. Easy way to charge my controller or headset who or playing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NEW FOOT MOUNT UNIVERSAL STUB FOR SLIMELINE DIRECTV HD DISH ANTENNAS STUBMNTR001; Brand: DIRECTV; Review: Not using them for satellite antenna installation but to mount outdoor wireless access points. For what I wanted them to do they work great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VicTsing Mini Displayport Thunderbolt to HDMI/VGA/DVI Adapter Converter 3 in1 Cable for Mac Book, iMac, Mac Book; Brand: VicTsing; Review: We needed a multi tap device to help with presentations. It worked; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KORE AVIATION Premium Deluxe Cloth Ear Cover for Pilot Aviation Headset; Brand: KORE AVIATION; Review: Very nice addition to my headphones; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elzo 2 Pack Micro USB to USB Type C Adapter Converts Connector for Type C Devices LG/MacBook and; Brand: ELZO; Review: new phone and allot of older chargers and cables this is a simple low cost answer; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Cap Barbell Bar; Brand: CAP Barbell; Review: Great bar for beginners or for working out at home. I deadlift and squat at the gym with 365 lbs but bought this for quick workouts at home to activate the "afterburn" every morning. The 5' bar is rated upto 200 lbs. I have not maxed it out but regularly push 135 lbs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CAP Barbell Standard 1-Inch Spring Clip Collars, Pair; Brand: CAP Barbell; Review: Works well with the CAP Barbell 1' bar; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CAP Barbell Standard Grip Plate; Brand: CAP Barbell; Review: Good quality plates. Work well with the CAP Barbell 1" think bar; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CAP Barbell Standard 1-Inch Grip Weight Plate, Single, Gray, Various Sizes; Brand: CAP Barbell; Review: Good quality plates. Work well with the CAP Barbell 1" think bar; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cobra Grips PRO Weight Lifting Gloves Heavy Duty Straps Alternative Power Lifting Hooks Best for Deadlifts Adjustable Neoprene Padded Wrist; Brand: Grip Power Pads; Review: This is truly a game changer. Helps me lift my one rep max 385 lbs with half the grip strength. One should not hit the gym without it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Raspberry PI 5MP Camera Board Module; Brand: Raspberry Pi; Review: Love it except the cable. Wish there was an option for a more robust cable that could be used outside of a case without the fear of damaging it. Also a non ribbon format cable would have been nice.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kinivo BTD-300 Bluetooth 3.0 Low Energy USB adapter - For Windows 10/8.1/8 / 7 /; Brand: Kinivo; Review: Fantastic! Works out-of-the-box for my mid 2010 macbook pro. I was having trouble with bluetooth interference with wifi and my magic mouse. Plugged in this dongle, deleted the previous pairing with the mouse, and re-paired, and it all just worked. It looks like the dongle overrides the built-in bluetooth radio which is exactly what i need.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: TP-Link 5 Port Fast Ethernet Switch | Desktop Ethernet Splitter | Ethernet Hub | Plug and Play; Brand: TP-LINK; Review: Haven't had much luck with this and the documentation is terrible.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Edimax EW-7811Un 150Mbps 11n Wi-Fi USB Adapter, Nano Size Lets You Plug it and Forget; Brand: Edimax; Review: I've used this with several raspberry Pi's (20 actually!). So far, after a few weeks, I've had 3 of them fail in an odd sort of way: the transfer speed just goes to about a quarter of what it was when new. I know it sounds weird, but its true. Just replace with a new one, and speed is back up! I'm using these in a high vibration environment so maybe that's the cause, but i'm not sure. So if you want to use this in any kind of mobile environment, esp with lots of vibration, try a different dongle.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, Widescreen Video Calling and Recording, 1080p Camera, Desktop or Laptop Webcam; Brand: Logitech; Review: fantastic, but didn't work for me since I'm mounting this in a vibrating location and it cannot bear it. It results in very shaky video. BTW, this camera has dynamic framerate only. You cannot set this to have a fixed framerate in H.264 mode (at least in Linux anyway). Well, you can actually set it to a fixed frame rate, but it doesn't actually do it! Reading the docs, I don't think this supports fixed frame rates.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: High Speed USB 2.0 4 Slot SD Card Reader/Writer; Brand: Zagall; Review: Amazing! I use this to flash memory cards for my raspberry pi's. I've flashed 4 cards simultaneously and they all worked at the same speed as writing a single card! Highly recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raspberry Pi 1 Model B+ (B PLUS) 512MB Computer Board (2014); Brand: Raspberry Pi; Review: Best thing since sliced bread! Just amazing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ASUS (USB-N10) wireless-N USB Adapter (150Mbps Transmit / 150Mbps Receive) with fast USB2.0 Interface, software WPS Button Support; Brand: Asus; Review: Excellent range for the size of the dongle. I've tried many other dongles this size, but this one has by far the best range. Works out of the box for raspberry pi.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: C&E 50 Pieces Cat6, Cat5E Crimp Connectors; Brand: C&E; Review: Difficult to install since there is no inner channel to guide the wires into the pin slots. Makes it very tricky to get the wires to line up properly. Other plugs i've used have guide channels after the wire is inserted.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Tulare; City: Tulare California; Review: Staff was very friendly and helpful. Room was OK since we didn't have to spend much time there. Small and crowded. Breakfast was not happening at all. There is no imagination to it as far as the hot food was concerned. Scrambled eggs were like rubber, sausage was over microwaved and cold. The only good part of the food to me was the waffles, but it's pretty hard to mess those up.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Motel 6 Cedar City; City: Cedar City Utah; Review: I stop here every time I pass through. They have upgraded all the rooms so for a one night stay it is quite comfy. Food is close by and is an easy walk. People in that city have always been friendly and helpful, and it is a very clean city.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Motel 6 Grand Junction; City: Grand Junction Colorado; Review: This motel has not gone through the upgrades the chain has been advertising. Bed felt like a box spring with a sheet over it. Places to eat are a ways away. You can't just get up in the morning and walk for breakfast. Managers were a little strange but friendly. But then I am not a big fan of that town anyway.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Motel 6 Denver Central Federal Boulevard; City: Denver Colorado; Review: This location has been upgraded to new rooms. Staff is very friendly. There is security on duty around the clock. My only concern would be to watch where your room is. I ended up with a freeway side room and the noise is unbearable. There is not a lot of sound proofing.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Motel 6 Winslow; City: Winslow Arizona; Review: Up grades for this chain are in place. My room was very large. Not like others in this chain the rooms are accessed from interior hall making it quieter. Only issue was that there is only one place to eat close by but they don't serve breakfast. Unless you want a fast food breakfast you will have to drive about 4 miles.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Visalia; City: Visalia California; Review: We stay here every year when we attend a music convention. We have never had an issue here with anything. Service is always great from the breakfast in the mornings to late night cookies left out. It is sometimes hard to get reservations due to the busy convention center and other functions. You need to get them early.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Charter Inn Suites; City: Tulare California; Review: This hotel is under construction!!! Instead of closing off sections of the rooms and completing each section they are doing pieces of most of the rooms so most of each room is in a mess and renting out that way. The room we were in had a new carpet but furniture was falling apart, no place to hang clothes, towel racks were not attached properly, etc. Dust was everywhere. Breakfast was never really complete being some things were available one morning and not again for a couple days. We just went to Ihop next door. Because of construction equipment parking was minimal. It would probably be a great place if and when finished.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Emergency! Season One; Brand: Robert Fuller; Review: Got this for my daughter, who grew up watching this show. We both really like rewatching the series. It is a little dated now but, still very enjoyable. It is a keepsake from her childhood.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All About Fast Trains/All About Airplanes; Brand: ; Review: Got this for my three year old Grandson. He loves trains. He watches the train part over and over. He loses interest with the airplane part. It is a very inexpensive entertaining DVD. I would give the train part and A+, but not the airplane part.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Polar Express; Brand: Nona Gaye; Review: My Grandkids, ages 8 and 4, really liked this movie. The animation is fantastic. The four year old loves anything to do with trains. Some things seemed a little scary but they both handled it well. Overall, it is a very good Christmas movie.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hong Kong Phooey - The Complete Series; Brand: Scatman Crothers; Review: I looked for this cartoon on DVD for a long time. I got it for my Daughter, who loved to watch the cartoon when she was little. She is almost thirty and still likes cartoons.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Prehistoric Planet - The Complete Dino Dynasty; Brand: ; Review: I bought this for my 5 year old Grandson for Christmas. He is really into dinosaurs. I have not watched this DVD, but his Mother says that he has to watch it almost everyday. She says he really likes it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture; Author: Visit Amazon's Scott Klusendorf Page; Review: I read this book in two days. It is by far the best book for articulating a pro-life apologetic that I have found. As a youth pastor I am constantly looking for books, articles and websites to point parents and students towards as they struggle with contemporary issues. I have found this book to be a valuable resource for parents and students that struggle with articulating the philosophy and worldview that lies behind the pro-life message. Parts 1 and 2 are so very helpful in developing the framework for the debate and parts 3 and 4 are invaluable to the student who is writing a position paper or to the youth pastor preparing to discuss the issues with students seeking answers. I cannot give a higher recommendation for this book. It should be a must-read for students as they prepare to graduate and for to anyone wanting know more about why they should be pro-life.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deep and Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend; Author: Visit Amazon's Andy Stanley Page; Review: Our church uses a number of Andy Stanley books and resources and this book helps to clarify a lot of the direction that Stanley comes from. He is more pragmatic than I would like but his passion and love for the church is evident.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Excellence in Preaching: Studying the Craft of Leading Preachers; Author: Visit Amazon's Simon Vibert Page; Review: Vibbert does a great job of breaking down the sermons and the styles of each of the different preachers in the book. I appreciate that he chose a variety of preachers, although he could have highlighted some others from outside of the reformed tradition. I especially liked the lessons for preachers at the end of each chapter. These lists alone are worth the price of the book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Journeys of Faith: Evangelicalism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Anglicanism; Author: Francis J. Beckwith; Review: I quite enjoyed the personal nature of the book. Its strength was the personal stories of the different authors and of their journeys in their different faith traditions. I thought the interaction between Beckwith and Allison along with the interaction between Castaldo and Gregory provided a great and honest interaction between Protestants and Catholics.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Creature of the Word: The Jesus-Centered Church; Author: Visit Amazon's Matt Chandler Page; Review: I usually despise books by multiple authors but this one was great. I especially found chapter 8 helpful in rethinking what Next Generation ministries should look like. I would recommend this book for all church leaders.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Time for the Talk: Leading Your Son into True Manhood; Author: Steve Zollos; Review: Very practical and helpful book. Best read by parents of young boys they can begin planning now to have the talk with them when the time is right. It helped me to have more patience with my kids.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Intentional Parenting: Family Discipleship by Design; Author: Tad Thompson; Review: We are building a family equipping ministry at our church and this book is one of the most helpful books we have come across. The questions at the end of each chapter are especially helpful for really making the book applicable. I also love the recommended reading at the end of the book. Thanks Tad.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Live Like A Narnian: Christian Discipleship in Lewis's Chronicles; Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Rigney Page; Review: This is a fantastic book. It makes me want to read the books all over again. I tend to forget how much I learn about myself and about the world when I go into Narnia with Lewis. Digney does a wonderful job of reminding me what it was like when I first went through the wardrobe door with Lucy or was sucked into a painting with Eustace. I would encourage all who love Lewis and Narnia to read this volume.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: SanDisk Sansa e260 4 GB MP3 Player with MicroSD Expansion Slot (Black; Brand: SanDisk; Review: Sorry I can't be any help with this item. I never got Windows XP to recognize the device even after spending several hours with my friend in India. I had to return it since I couldn't load any music on it. I like the size and capacity of it but couldn't use it; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 ATB Waterproof Black Binoculars; Brand: Nikon; Review: The binoculars were better than I expected with the only exception that there was no way to secure the lens caps. The seller responded in a time fashion to my order.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cirago NUS1000 Network USB Storage Link; Brand: Cirago; Review: The support for this product is non existent. Neither email or phone messages are returned. There is no help at the web site either. Half of the time the device doesn't appear on my network. the concept is very good, but the execution stinks.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: ESR Yippee Smart Case for The iPad Air 2, Smart Case Cover [Synthetic; Brand: ESR; Review: It performed as advertised. I only use the case for carrying the iPad away from home so I am putting it in the case and taking out a number of times. I find it very difficult to remove it from the plastic back.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stylus Pens for Touch Screens, Cambond 2-in-1 Ballpoint Pens and Stylus for iPad, iPhone, Samsung, Tablet, Galaxy Note; Brand: Cambond; Review: The stylus works just fine. The pen is handy but a little finer than than I would normally choose. In my seller review I praised the extra stylus with a phone jack strap that made it very handy with my refrigerator mounted iPad.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anker Keyboard Cover for iPad Air 2; Brand: Anker; Review: My feeling is that this is the cover that Apple should have provided with the iPad Air; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sony Clip-on Stereo Headphones With Double Retractable Cord | MDR-Q68LW S Silver (Japanese Imports); Brand: Sony; Review: I returned to single retractable headphones. This is the pair I wanted in the first place. It fit my needs for portable earphones that will not damage the cords associated with it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Veho Bluetooth Speaker | Wireless | Bluetooth | Portable | Rechargeable | Bass | Travel; Brand: Veho; Review: I liked it sound. I am unsure of how to charge it, will any USB port or charge have the right voltage? The direct plug in sound connection is of better quality than the Bluetooth sound; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Roosevelt New Orleans A Waldorf Astoria Hotel; City: New Orleans Louisiana; Review: We stayed at the Roosevelt for a convention. The hotel itself is very nice but the staff was not up to par. The day of check in they had only two people behind the front desk. We waited for over thirty minutes just to check in. Housekeeping was overwhelmed and our room was not made up until six pm. They need to employ more staff to give the kind of customer service they say that they offer.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Belmond Charleston Place; City: Charleston South Carolina; Review: I was so excited when we booked our stay at this hotel. We were part of a convention. I called the hotel weeks before our arrival to request a king bedded room close to the elevators. When we checked in we were given a double double room at the end of a very long hallway. The reply from the front desk when I said I had requested a king room was basically, tough luck! The room was fine as I didn't plan on spending much time there. We were out all day touring and came back to rest before dinner, that's when the ceiling began leaking. We came to find that the a/c pan had overflowed. It was fixed right away but there went my nap. The next day I was in a rush to get to a meeting. I had showered and wanted to blow dry my hair only to find that the blow dryer was broken. It was also fixed in a timely manner but I was still late. The lobby of this huge hotel has a ladies room with only two stalls, you can only imagine how long the lines were. Also, there was no place in the hotel to get a cup of coffee after noontime when the kiosk closed. As a warning, the concierge is gone after 7 pm so if you need directions or help with something do it early in the day. If the hotel is going to book conventions they really need to up their game. For over $350 per night I did expect something better. On the brighter side, the location of the hotel was great. Charleston is a wonderful city.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Westin Boston Waterfront; City: Boston Massachusetts; Review: I accompanied my husband to a convention recently. He loved the location as h hotel was connected by walkway to he convention center. I found that it was at least a $12 cab ride to go anywhere. The hotel, even though it is huge, felt like a small boutique hotel because the service was great. The doormen, bellhops, maids and front desk all were friendly, helpful and made us feel special. The bed was so comfortable and the bathroom spacious.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eliot Hotel; City: Boston Massachusetts; Review: The location of this hotel is great. Around the corner from Newbury St, close to Hynes CC. The staff is xtremely professional, friendly and would bend over backwards to help in any way they can. The rooms/suites are a little tired. The lighting is poor and I have slept in more comfortable beds but I would stay here again as I found it charming.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Belmond Charleston Place; City: Charleston South Carolina; Review: We stayed here a few years ago and at the time we were disappointed with our room and the distance from the elevator. This time we got a refurbed room more conveniently located and it was lovely. People were very friendly and helpful. I loved the under sink lighting in the bathroom for nighttime convenience. Can't beat the location.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Express Savannah Historic District; City: Savannah Georgia; Review: I know St. Patricks weekend is busy but when we arrived our room was not ready. The hotel clerk promised she would call me when it was but she never did. We returned to the hotel after 4pm and a room was available. When I asked why they never called they shrugged their shoulders. We were given a dark room with a tiny little window that we had to move a chair to get too. Room appeared to be clean. After a shower, white stains appeared on the wallpaper. Something seemed to be growing underneath it. Shower doors also were stained and desperately needed to be cleaned. Location was good, people were nice, breakfast was okay but they need to up their cleaning.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Park Hotel Ai Cappuccini; City: Gubbio Province of Perugia Umbria; Review: We loved this hotel. The staff were all welcoming, warm and very friendly. The rooms were very comfortable and nicely sized. Out our window was a beautiful view of olive trees on one side and the Umbrian hills on the other. Big wide hallways led to an amazing spa and huge indoor pool. Breakfasts were delicious, many choices and well prepared. The two dinners we had were delicious and exquisitely presented. The town of Gubbio was fascinating as was the cable car ride up the mountain. The surrounding towns offered much to see as well as great shopping. The only thing that the hotel could do better was to change their bed linens. They were not as soft as we would have liked.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Peninsula Beverly Hills; City: Beverly Hills California; Review: Just loved being in this hotel. It was our second stay and as returning guests you get monogrammed pillowcases. Such a nice touch. They kept all of our preferences from last time and check in was a breeze. Everyone is friendly and extremely attentive. Our room was beautiful and very comfortable. The pillows were the best I ever slept on.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Residence Inn Boca Raton; City: Boca Raton Florida; Review: We were pleasantly surprised upon arrival at this hotel. We were staying only 2 nights and wanted to be close to friends. Room had everything we could need. Breakfast was okay, the hotel was full so the room was crowded. All the staff were lovely. My only complaint was the inadequate parking lot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Washington DC U S Capitol; City: Washington DC District of Columbia; Review: Had a wedding in DC and this was the hotel suggested by the family. Other than the low price there was nothing else redeeming about the hotel. The neighborhood was dead, restaurants were all fast food and it was a cab ride to anywhere you needed to be. Hotel was tired, towels and bedding could use refreshing. Staff was nice but once was enough for us.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel; City: New Orleans Louisiana; Review: We waited 45 minutes upon arrival to check in when we arrived. Staff is friendly but something is just off. No one seems to know what is going on. Rooms are okay, small, and can use a little updating. Location is good. Service overall is horrendous. I would never stay here again. Meeting event staff is the worst. No calls ever returned.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Il Melograno; City: Monopoli Province of Bari Puglia; Review: Just loved this wonderful hotel. The spa and outdoor pool were just what we needed for a relaxing day. The grounds were magnificent. Food was delicious and the service superb. Our room was tremendous and we had a patio which was great. A definite thumbs up!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Palazzo Ducale Venturi Luxury Relais Wellness; City: Minervino di Lecce Province of Lecce P; Review: A must visit in Puglia. A beautifully restored Palace with no detail overlooked. The staff was amazing and could not have been any more helpful. Our room was amazing. We were given a tour of the hotel and I couldn’t believe their history. Great pool and indoor hot tub. The chef was wonderful. Everything that came out of. His kitchen was mouthwateringly delicious. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Loved being here!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Masseria Le Mandorle; City: Ugento Province of Lecce Puglia; Review: Run here! The property is amazing. Rooms were beautiful and their attention to detail unmatched. We loved Ugento and being treated royally by their staff. The two dinners we had here were beyond delicious. The breakfasts were terrific as well. Diana and Massimo made us feel like part of their family and we wish we were!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bellevue Hotel Spa; City: Cogne Valle d Aosta; Review: I didn’t know what to expect at the Bellevue as the reservation was made for us. We were pleasantly surprised. There was NO detail overlooked. Our room was large and beautifully appointed, old mixed with all the modern conveniences. Our view was of the garden and the Gran Paradiso which was breathtakingly beautiful. I have never seen artwork, sculpture and antiques as varied as I did here. We had a tour of the wine cellar which was spectacular as was the cheese room. Dinner was extraordinary, service impeccable! Breakfast was delicious with a wonderful selection of delightful foods. Laura, the owner was a wonderful hostess and gave us a tour of the hotel as well as the history of the area. This hotel certainly deserves the Michelin stars it has gotten. The spa was second to none. If you are going to this area this is definitely the place to stay. If you are not going to this region, you should and stay at the Hotel Bellevue!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ME Milan Il Duca; City: Milan Lombardy; Review: This was our hotel for the last night of our Italian adventure, we couldn’t have been more pleased. The welcome we received was second to none and our suite was beautiful. Breakfast was amazing. Will definitely stay here again on our next trip.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Enclave (Razorland, #1); Author: Ann Aguirre; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Great post-apocalyptic YA novel with a strong female narrator.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes, #1); Author: Sara Raasch; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Looking forward to the next one!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sea of Tranquility; Author: Katja Millay; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: One of my favorite books of all time; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Perilous Sea (The Elemental Trilogy, #2); Author: Sherry Thomas; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5; excellent sequel to The Burning Sky; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle, #2); Author: Maggie Stiefvater; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 stars; an intelligently written story which was creatively woven together. Darker genre than Harry Potter, but just as captivating.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3); Author: Maggie Stiefvater; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 stars; great continuation of the series, but I did enjoy the first two better. Looking forward to the next one!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sin Eater’s Daughter (The Sin Eater’s Daughter, #1); Author: Melinda Salisbury; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Did not finish.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are; Author: Brene Brown; Genres: non-fiction; Review: Absolutely wonderful; an extended version of her TED talk based on wholeheartedness. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Artisans (The Artisans, #1); Author: Julie Reece; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Not my favorite; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: I'll Meet You There; Author: Heather Demetrios; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Beautifully written; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Young Elites (The Young Elites, #1); Author: Marie Lu; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Just couldn't get into this one, I didn't relate to the protagonist at all; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Control (Control, #1); Author: Lydia Kang; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 stars; very unique YA novel about genetic modification in a dystopian society. Enjoyable to read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Inhuman (Fetch, #1); Author: Kat Falls; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: By far one of my favorite dystopian novels; excellent story, kept me captivated the entire time!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cruel Beauty (Cruel Beauty Universe, #1); Author: Rosamund Hodge; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Very unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast; loved the classic mythology references.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1); Author: Marissa Meyer; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Very interesting adaption of Cinderella; I enjoyed the storyline, and look forward to finishing the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2); Author: Marissa Meyer; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: The Lunar Chronicles #2; easily my favorite out of all three. Wonderful retelling, and I enjoyed how this storyline was built on the previous book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3); Author: Marissa Meyer; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: The Lunar Chronicles #3; excellent continuation of the series. Looking forward to the final book!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Capture the Castle; Author: Dodie Smith; Genres: history, young-adult, children, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Favorite book from childhood :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Paper Towns; Author: John Green; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: So. Much. Teenage. Angst.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: These Shallow Graves; Author: Jennifer Donnelly; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Well written high school grade mystery; kind of wish that the protagonist was portrayed as a stronger, more independent girl though.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements; Author: Sam Kean; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: Absolutely loved this book! Perfect for science geeks who love chemistry/elements of the periodic table; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fault in Our Stars; Author: John Green; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: The only book I've hated more was Twilight; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Scary Close: Dropping the Act and Finding True Intimacy; Author: Donald Miller; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: 3 1/2 stars; good but not great; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Serial Killers: Up Close and Personal: Inside the World of Torturers, Psychopaths, and Mass Murderers; Author: Christopher Berry-Dee; Genres: history, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, mystery; Review: Excellent, but very graphic; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2); Author: Leigh Bardugo; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Absolutely loved this sequel to Six of Crows!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1); Author: Victoria Schwab; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Stars. Excellent post-apocalyptic novel, with a slightly different twist than the over-hyped Hunger Games and Divergent. Definitely kept me engrossed the whole time! Looking forward to the sequel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Frostblood (Frostblood Saga, #1); Author: Elly Blake; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Well, I made it about halfway. Between the teenage angst and the cheesy romance, it was hard to pay attention to the actual storyline; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Girl on the Train; Author: Paula Hawkins; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I liked this one better than Gone Girl, but it was hard to relate to the protagonist when she drank so much. Suspenseful mysteries are less fun when they are centered around the fact that she was too smashed to remember the important details.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Little Lies; Author: Liane Moriarty; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: NEW FAVORITE. Loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hungry Heart: Adventures in Life, Love, and Writing; Author: Jennifer Weiner; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 stars; funny, but a little too political and long-winded.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Marriage Lie; Author: Kimberly Belle; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: EXCELLENT. Better than Big Little Lies, better than Gone Girl, and far better than Girl On The Train. The Marriage Lie was exquisitely written with a thrilling storyline and an incredible end.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bird and the Sword (The Bird and the Sword Chronicles, #1); Author: Amy Harmon; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Interesting story, but incredibly slow (and slightly predictable).; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Once and for All; Author: Sarah Dessen; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I will always love a Sarah Dessen book (even though I am 30 years old). My favorites, of course, are Someone Like You and Dreamland, two of her earliest books. I've been a faithful reader since the age of thirteen, and I still love them all. Once and For All was definitely my favorite of all her recent books (since The Truth About Forever, really).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Place You Look (Roxane Weary, #1); Author: Kristen Lepionka; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, fiction; Review: Excellent ending! I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Tuff Pocket-Roo Holster, J Frame LCR 340PD GL2627 (Size 10); Brand: TUFF; Review: Pros - Size 10 fits small frame revolvers well and holds one reload strip with the weapon - securely. Well made. Cons - Base/bottom is too wide for most of my pants: khaki's, jeans (lose fit), dress and casual pants. It only fits some of my cargo pants/shorts. Fit causes a large print on my pockets. I'm a man of medium build and above average height. Other thoughts - Before ordering, measure across the bottom of several of your pants' pockets and compare that to bottom/base width for model of interest to ascertain fit. For others, this model may work well - Y. M. W. V. Model w/o ammo strip tab/slot is probably better for my need, I may try that. Not a total loss, I gave it to a friend for a purse carry. Very good for that purpose - keeps the weapon well positioned for quick access, keeps detritus out of the weapon, and easy to put in/out of purses. For a purse carry I would rate the product 5 stars. Perhaps it should be marketed that way, ... hint. Not good for my pockets - hence 2 stars. Free shipping and delivery time - good.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A.C. Kerman - LE Versacarry Inside the Waistband Ambidextrous Gun Holster for .45 Cal Barrels; Brand: A.C. Kerman - LE; Review: Bought for a friend for use in a non-work environment - he speaks well of it. Uses often (with a G-30) and it works well; stays where you put it and keeps everything in place. As mentioned elsewhere, not as easy to re-holster as more conventional gear, but the forte is secure, available, and stable. Trigger guard very well done - USE IT!. Recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wald 1216 Bicycle Training Wheels (12 to 16-Inch Wheels); Brand: Wald; Review: Bought as part of a rebuild of a daughter's bike that has since gone to a grandson. Was surprised at how sturdy these are. Very satisfied, would buy again if doing a similar project, and recommend without hesitation. Be aware that the thickness of the metal arms (a good thing), may require using thinner lock washers and jam nuts.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BSA 30mm Red Dot Scope with 5 MOA; Brand: BSA; Review: Initial issue with installation - freely rotating front bolt. Turns out the mount was reversed front-to-back. Could be me... or as arrived. Odds are me (80+%), not them. Contacted BSA/Gamo support by email Memorial Day and got an email response the next morning at 8:06. Review to date is a positive for the support, nothing yet for the product. Will field test and review the scope soon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 5.11 TDU Double Duty Tactical Belt, Non-Metal, 1.5-inch, Style 59568; Brand: 5.11; Review: Reverses well, making packing for travel easier. Supports my pants and a couple of other items very well. Buy the next size up to have room for inside the pants carry, and to have the belt go to the first loop after passing through the buckle. Well worth the price. Would buy again, but it will be years before this one wears out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mace Brand Pepper Spray Pocket Defense Spray; Brand: Mace; Review: Like the safety cap as opposed to the twist tops of some other brands. This one has not been used, but the one this replaced had a steady stream when last tested. I like the plainly printed expiration date, but tend to replace well before that date. Recommended; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: OutBags USA LS2G30 Full Grain Heavy Leather IWB Conceal Carry Gun Holster for Glock 29 G29 10mm; Brand: OutBags; Review: For the price it's well made and fits the G30 well after break-in. My issue is with the belt clip catching on various objects, causing belt clip/spring to distort. This led to less than secure holster attachment to pants/belt. Vice-Grips and wooden blocks reset the clip/spring, but not my confidence. May be an isolated condition.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sunlite Cloud-9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle, Cruiser Gel, Tri-color Black; Brand: Cloud-9; Review: Bought for Wifeee. The stock seat was uncomfortable to her anatomy. This seat fits the female frame and solved the problem. Recommended.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife with Sandvik Carbon Steel Blade, 0.125/4.1-Inch; Brand: Morakniv; Review: After buying one for myself on a Lightening Deal, I've since bought two others - one as a gift. Very good chore knife, not pretensions. Good Swedish steel, tough and thick enough to hold up to rough use. Holds and takes an edge very well (If you don't have good stones, get some). Good for the "to-go: tool bag, or whatever. I added a ShotLine wrist loop to the hilt to mine. Get two. A steal at this price. If yours "grows legs", you won't cry over your $200 "Rambo Special".; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WODFitters New Exercise Band Attachment Set - 2 Heavy Duty Handles with Carabiners, 2 Wrist; Brand: WODFitters; Review: Bought these as replacement handles for a Total Gym. They work just as I expected - very well. Recommended.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Exposition of Hebrews, An; Author: Visit Amazon's Arthur W. Pink Page; Review: I give this book 5 stars because Dr .Pink has answered so many questions regarding Judaism and Christianity. He is an excellent scholar/expositor.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Whispers Along the Rails (Postcards from Pullman Series #2); Author: Visit Amazon's Judith Miller Page; Review: I especially appreciate the way she demonstrated the value of always being truthful and demonstrating the destructive result of lying.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Joy on This Mountain (A Prairie Heritage, Book 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Vikki Kestell Page; Review: What a talented writer!! This was the third book I've read in the A Prairie Heritage series. I am so impressed with her talent and especially her ability to bring in deep spiritual teachings into the lives of her characters and thereby show God's faithfulness as they pray and seek to follow His will for their lives.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Captive Heart (The Daughters of Caleb Bender) (Volume 2); Author: Dale Cramer; Review: GIFTED AUTHOR l Dale Cramer is very GIFTED in creating characters for his stories. I feel as if I know them personally.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Though Mountains Fall (The Daughters of Caleb Bender) (Volume 3); Author: Dale Cramer; Review: T here is so much truth in this story. I too have learned that the kingdom of God is in the heart , when forgiveness is asked for and received. only then can we have peace and freedom. Thank you Dale Cramer for illustrating that truth so beAutifully in this story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Love's Reckoning: A Novel (The Ballantyne Legacy) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Frantz Page; Review: Once begun, this book was hard to put aside. Interesting story line,fascinating characters. I did not want it to end.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Preacher's Bride; Author: Visit Amazon's Jody Hedlund Page; Review: Though fiction, this book includes many facts about the life of John and Elizabeth Bunyan. Their love for God and obedience to Spreading the good news of His grace and salvation under great persecution contributed to our freedom to freely do the same today.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Centurion's Wife (Acts of Faith, Book 1); Author: Janette Oke; Review: It thrilled my heart to read how the Holy Spirit drew the hearts of these two characters to find Jesus. The author so beautifully portrayed how faith in Him changes everything. I wasn't ready for the story to end.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Damascus Way, The (Acts of Faith); Author: Janette Oke; Review: Christ died for me and I have lived for Him for 60 plus years and look forward to being with Him in Heaven for eternity.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Charity's Cross (Charles Towne Belles) (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's MaryLu Tyndall Page; Review: I really enjoyed the book. I found it hard to put it down. In fact, I didn't put it down. I started reading it in bed when I work up in the morning and the next thing I knew,it was noon! I had finished the book, but I sure had to speed through the rest of the day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Be Filled With the Holy Spirit; Author: Visit Amazon's A. W. Tozer Page; Review: I found this book very helpful, I've read three of his books now and find them inspiring, informative. And challenging, His love for and faithfulness to the scriptures is obvious, I look forward to reading more in the future,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Red Door Inn: A Novel (Prince Edward Island Dreams); Author: Visit Amazon's Liz Johnson Page; Review: This book emphasizes the dangers of prejudging people and their motives before we get to know them or other factors. It also shows the healing effects of compassion and unconditional love.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: From Heaven: A 28-Day Advent Devotional; Author: Visit Amazon's A. W. Tozer Page; Review: What a blessing! Each day gave inspiration and ideas to meditate on and explore throughout the day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Am: A 60-Day Journey to Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is; Author: Visit Amazon's Michele Cushatt Page; Review: The author portrays who we are in Christ in such an easy to grasp way. Even more so, she describes who HE is. I'm being blessed by this book and see it as one I will return to often.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair); Brand: Bowflex; Review: I love these they work really, makes my workout go faster and clean up is a breeze worth the price; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: adidas Men's Sport Performance Climalite Boxer Brief, Two-Pack; Brand: ; Review: These are ok they are very comfortable but they ride up on you and won't stay down would recommend under armer; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cap Barbell Weight Bar 47-Inch Olympic Ez Curl Bar; Brand: CAP Barbell; Review: What can I say. Really? It's a bar. I do think it needs spring loaded safety clamps instead of the rings with tightening screws; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: adidas Men's Sport Performance Climalite Boxer Brief, Two-Pack; Brand: ; Review: These are ok they are very comfortable but they ride up on you and won't stay down would recommend under armer; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: adidas Men's Sport Performance Climalite Boxer Brief, Two-Pack; Brand: ; Review: These are ok they are very comfortable but they ride up on you and won't stay down would recommend under armer; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: adidas Men's Sport Performance Climalite Boxer Brief, Two-Pack; Brand: ; Review: These are ok they are very comfortable but they ride up on you and won't stay down would recommend under armer; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: adidas Men's Sport Performance Climalite Boxer Brief, Two-Pack; Brand: ; Review: These are ok they are very comfortable but they ride up on you and won't stay down would recommend under armer; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set with Door Anchor, Ankle Strap, Exercise Chart, and Resistance Band Carrying Case; Brand: Black Mountain; Review: They work really well you can use them in any way they even work out with pull-up bars and can attach it bench and use for reverse push-ups; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Week in celebrity photos for Oct. 14-18, 2019; Abstract: Week in celebrity photos for Oct. 14-18, 2019; Category: entertainment
Title: 17 photos that show the ugly truth of living in a tiny house; Abstract: From cramped lofts that are hard to access to small appliances, this is what it's really like to live in a tiny house.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Stars attend the 2019 Governors Awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Abstract: See which celebs attended the 2019 Governors Awards.; Category: entertainment
Title: Carrie Underwood's Sons Make the Cutest Grinch and Dog Max Duo for Halloween; Abstract: The little guy brought some Christmas spirit to the holiday in the cutest way ever.; Category: music
Title: How Much You Can Change Your Abs in 2 Weeks; Abstract: The truth is in her transformation.; Category: health
Title: Minnesota School Districts Considering 'Online Snow Days'; Abstract: With snow in the forecast, school districts are thinking about snow days in the months ahead. Some districts are already turning to online learning when schools are closed.; Category: news
Title: Welcome to the World! All of the Celebrity Babies Who've Made Their Debuts in 2019; Abstract: See who's made their debut so far this year; Category: entertainment | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Chattanooga Lookout Mountain; City: Chattanooga Tennessee; Review: The staff was very friendly and helpful, and the room was comfortable and clean. This was also conveniently located; only a few minutes from downtown and right at the entrance to Lookout Mountain.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Americas Best Value Inn Page; City: Page Arizona; Review: We tried to book elsewhere several weeks earlier, but most of the hotels were already full. This hotel advertised being newly renovated, but that was not true. The bathroom was poor, towels were literally ragged, and the bed and pillows lumpy and uncomfortable. What was hard to take was that it cost in excess of $100, and other hotels in the same town were so much nicer for the price.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Inn East; City: Evansville Indiana; Review: This hotel offers a happy hour to all it's guests in appreciation for choosing it! Each guest can have a beverage of choice, including mixed drinks, and some nice snacks as well. Good service and a convenient location.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn; City: Beloit Wisconsin; Review: Ty, the man at the desk, was a great help to us. We needed a minor repair on our car, and he sent us to a good place. Then recommended a great place for pizza. A good stay all around.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Ocean Reef Suites; City: Kill Devil Hills Outer Banks North Carolina; Review: We stayed just a couple of nights before going to our daughter's for Thanksgiving up in Cheasapeake, wanting time on the beach. The weather was great, so we were able to enjoy the area. The hotel had a very friendly staff who were helpful in directing us to restuarants. The ocean view from our 4th floor balcony was wonderful, and the fact that all the rooms are suites is a real plus. However, the hotel really needs renovating--things are quite dated and somewhat worn, but it was clean, and the beds were comfortable. The breakfast was adequate with a variety of cereals, some fresh fruit, biscuits and gravy and the usual continental fare.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gallows Point Resort; City: Cruz Bay St John U S Virgin Islands; Review: We arrived early, but had been told they would store our luggage until our room was ready. However, they immediately offered us another room, which was actually superior to the one we had booked. The grounds are gorgeous, the view of the ocean and St. Thomas in the distance fantastic, and the walk to Cruz Bay only 10 minutes at most. Wonderful staff--just an amazing place!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Windward Passage Hotel; City: Charlotte Amalie St Thomas U S Virgin Islands; Review: This hotel is perfect for a one-night stopover. We arrived in St. Thomas in mid-afternoon and decided staying in St. Thomas for the night made more sense than traveling to St. John, our ultimate destination (see Gallows Point). The hotel is well-situated, right on the main drag, and only blocks from Oceania, where we wanted to eat. The room was clean and comfortable, towels were good, but the lobby and the hotel in general needs updating. However, it was a good value and I would recommend it for a brief stay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn; City: West Memphis Arkansas; Review: While older, the room was clean, and the staff very friendly and helpful. The hotel is very convenient to Memphis, and easy to access. Seemed clean, and the breakfast was adequate. We would recommend it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nordic Lodge of Steamboat Springs; City: Steamboat Springs Colorado; Review: We were welcomed and given choices of rooms. The room was a little small but adequate, and very clean, and furnished with appropriate rustic chairs and dresser. No hair dryer, but we didn't ask for one, so they may be willing to provide one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sandia Peak Inn Motel; City: Albuquerque New Mexico; Review: Based on other reviews, we decided to spend two nights. The location was great--not far from Old Town, and easy access to interstates. The owner, Kay, was very friendly and pleasant, seemingly anxious to please. The room was good and well maintained. It's a little noisy due to traffic on Central (rt. 66),but not a real problem. Fresh fruit was welcome at breakfast. We would happily recommend this place.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront; City: Myrtle Beach South Carolina; Review: We've enjoyed our stay here, returning after about five years to Myrtle Beach. Very nice room on the 7th floor with a good view of the beach. Pleasant and helpful staff, including our housekeeper, the breakfast folks, and maintenance, who cheerfully helped set up our DVD player that we'd brought from home. Breakfast was well done, and other perks, such as beach towels and cookies in the late afternoon were welcomed. We liked sitting on the balcony in rocking chairs outside the breakfast room to enjoy coffee. Would recommend it to friends.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Golden Eagle Inn; City: Jackson Jackson Hole Wyoming; Review: Very satisfactory, with friendly staff. Old-fashioned, but comfortable and clean. No breakfast, but had a refrigerator and microwave. Everything very expensive in Jackson but this cost less than the chain hotels and it was conveniently located.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront; City: Myrtle Beach South Carolina; Review: Our third visit here--still very good value. Nice room, friendly staff, good breakfast. This time we opted for an ocean front room--love sitting on the balcony. This area is quiet and the beach rarely crowded.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Atlanta Duluth; City: Duluth Georgia; Review: Very impressive for cleanliness, space, and amenities. Breakfast room was spacious and very clean and well-managed. Room was good-sized, and bathroom looked new, with a lighted mirror. Would not hesitate to recommend to others. if we'd had our dog with us, they would have accommodated us on the first floor.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Tulare; City: Tulare California; Review: Although this wasn't the newest and fanciest La Quinta we booked, the room was fine, and the staff very, very helpful. We had trouble with our tv remote and one of the ladies cheerfully came back to our room and helped us. Two days later I realized I had left a jacket behind, called the hotel, and they were happy to mail it to my home.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: El Rancho Motel; City: Bishop California; Review: The room was actually an efficiency, which we really didn't need. The bedroom was small and had a tall dresser which was of no use to us because we couldn't put a suitcase on top of it. There was a narrow bench as well, which also would not accommodate a suitcase. The bathroom was extremely difficult to use, as it had a pedestal sink with no shelf of any size on which to put your toilitries, and the light was poor for shaving. Conveniently located, and as I mentioned, appeared to be very clean.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn New Orleans Veterans Metairie; City: Metairie Louisiana; Review: The hotel has outer entrances to the rooms, which is convenient to get to your car, but not as secure. . The room was clean although the hotel is somewhat dated. We got excellent advice from the front desk in that they suggested we use Uber to go downtown; we hadn't known it was the Jazz festival. That went very well. All in all, a good stay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Alexandria Airport; City: Alexandria Louisiana; Review: Somewhat remodeled, (the counter top, sink and other parts of the bathroom were new, but the tub and shower was definitely not), and the room was updated and clean. Disappointing when we wanted to wash some things in the guest laundry, and found we had to go out to a convenience store to get detergent! Other hotels have vending or will sell you a small box--had to purchase a large box. Staff friendly, but we also could hear a lot of highway noise.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Suites; City: Tuscaloosa Alabama; Review: Cathy at the front desk is amazing! She took time to draw us a map to a restaurant she thought we'd like ( we did!), and welcomed everyone like they were her best friends. The hotel was good, and the breakfast well done. All in all, a good stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Baton Rouge Port Allen; City: Port Allen Louisiana; Review: We noticed right away we could people in the hall and other rooms, even though we don't always hear well! The hotel is obviously new and everything was clean and well kept. We got good suggestions for eating from the staff and slept well in comfortable beds Only a short distance from LSU, so convenient for anyone wanting to go there.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Knoxville Airport; City: Alcoa Tennessee; Review: This was a pleasant hotel. Due to the location across from the airport, we did hear planes during the night and early morning. However, the room was comfortable and the staff friendly. The breakfast was good and had a nice variety.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Oxford Take Off in Russian: 4 CDs (Take Off In Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Nick Ukiah Page; Review: I lost this book awhile back, and wanted to replace it for cheap. The book's condition and price are a perfect fit!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics (7th Edition); Author: Fawwaz T. Ulaby; Review: A few problems different from the regular 7th edition ;(; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Engineering Mechanics: Statics & Dynamics (14th Edition); Author: Russell C. Hibbeler; Review: Good combo book - statics & dynamics within the same book cover.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Modern Hebrew I; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Pimsleur Page; Review: Good product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pimsleur Hebrew Level 2 CD: Learn to Speak and Understand Hebrew with Pimsleur Language Programs (Comprehensive); Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Pimsleur Page; Review: Good product, although made for "Pimsleur Approach", so a bit different appearance, but content seems the same.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Ledge Sports Genius 4-4 Foot Outdoor Camp Table (48X24, White); Brand: Ledge; Review: Overall quality is good. Very lightweight, and I love how it folds in half for easy storage and travel. The perfect lil table, for taking to the tailgate party. I haven't used the table, but it seems like it will work just fine for what I'm needing it for.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Weber 516501 Q 120 Portable 189-Square-Inch 8500-BTU Liquid-Propane Gas Grill; Brand: Weber; Review: Super fast shipment! Received the grill within 2-days of placing the order. Easy assembly, less that 15 minutes. The perfect lil grill for tailgating. It fired up on the first click of the electonic start. Lightweight, but excellent quality! I also purchased the grill cover, which is a great buy and quality for less than $12.00. The only drawback so far, is the temperature setting. Seems to want to cook more on the high level, even though I adjust to the lower setting. Heats up super fast! Overall very satisfied. My neighbor has the Q100 and is also very satisfied with it's performance. Highly recommend the Q120 for the ultimate tailgate fan.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Siskiyou NCAA 8 Piece BBQ Set with Case; Brand: Siskiyou; Review: I purchase the BBQ Set for our Tailgaring in the fall. Nice case, but not overall impressed with the quality of some of the utensils. Therefore only two stars, especially for the price.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hydro Flask Insulated Wide Mouth Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 32-Ounce; Brand: Hydro Flask; Review: Amazing!!!! What else can I say! Never thought I would pay this much for a water bottle, but I did....and haven't regretted it one bit! Finally a water bottle that keeps your drinks cold, and no sweating of the bottle too!!! Amazing product!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: EyeLine Golf Classic Putting Mirror, Large 9.25" x 17.5" - Patented; Brand: EyeLine Golf; Review: Purchased as a Christmas Gift. Seems to like it, but not all to excited over the product, three stars is the best I can give based upon the feedback from my nephew who received the gift.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Mehtap Hotel Dalyan; City: Dalyan Mugla Province Turkish Aegean Coast; Review: There is a good reason for this hotel to get so many positive reviews, it is just a lovely place to stay. Although the rooms are a little basic (5 star luxury this is not) they are spotlessly clean as is the rest of the hotel. But the real reason for the positive reviews has got to be the owner and his staff - they can't do enough for you. This is a gem of a hotel, can't wait to return!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Causeway Lodge; City: Dunseverick Bushmills County Antrim Northern Ireland; Review: This is not the cheapest B&B you will ever stay in but it is the best! It beats the socks off 'top end' hotels in London. We stayed in the Causeway Suite and to say we were impressed with the room would be a huge understatement - it is superb. As is the welcome from Anne, the service and the breakfast. Very near to the Causeway, Bushmills and Carrick-a-Rede. Treat yourself!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Scaletta; City: Pula Istria; Review: We loved this hotel, especially after our hotel experience in Zagreb. The rooms must have been recently refurbished as everything seemed brand new. The air con was whisper quiet and very welcome indeed. There is also a fridge, TV and free Wi Fi. Breakfast is a buffet style affair and filling. The staff are friendly and very helpful. The were only two things that went against the hotel. One is road noise, the hotel is a stone's throw away from the colosseum and is facing a pretty busy road. The other was hot water. I just couldn't get any for the sink in the evening but the shower was fine, couldn't figure out why was hot and the other barely warm. Despite this, we'd recommend the hotel without hesitation. Loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Ilica; City: Zagreb Central Croatia; Review: It is difficult to describe the stay without resorting to 4 letter words, most of which would be reserved for the owner! The pros are; There is parking, a bonus within the city and why we chose it There is hot water and a whisper quiet aircon It is cheap. The cons are; The owner is an utter .... The rooms are in a bad state of repair, complete with exposed electricals The rooms are tiny The bedding was damp - it was clean but damp. It's a tax dodge for the owner who will give discount for cash, who by the way is an utter .... Spend a little more a stay elsewhere; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hotel della Conciliazione; City: Rome Lazio; Review: This hotel is a gem and only a couple of minutes walk from the Vatican in a cobbled side street. Surrounded by really good restaurants. The hotel itself has all you could ask for and we both enjoyed the breakfasts. The best of our stay were the staff, especially Ramona who was on reception, great local knowledge, very friendly and lots of recommendations for where to eat and visit. Thankyou!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Gregory; City: Belfast Northern Ireland; Review: We stayed here for two nights when visiting family in Belfast. The location is maybe a mile from the city and really close to the park at botanic. Also close to a load of good restaurants (the barking dog) and bars (the dean at Queen's). Room was clean and well furbished in a lovely building which has parking to the rear. Breakfast was delish and staff could not be more helpful. Loved it, will return!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rhodes Lykia Boutique; City: Kallithea Rhodes Dodecanese South Aegean; Review: Okay, the room was small and basic. It had a bit of a noisy fridge, the wardrobe was tiny blah, blah, blah. Forget all that. The hotel has great staff, friendly and helpful. Breakfast is buffet style but ask for an omelette from the chef - delicious But above all is that small bay it overlooks. A garden and pebbled beach with your own sun beds and waitress service or if you prefer a quiet pool (with waitress service). This may be a 3 or 4 star hotel but it has 5 star relaxation factor!!!!!!!!!!!! Wish I was back :( PS - just about the best free wifi i've had any where, from the room to the beach; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli; City: Helengeli Island; Review: Loved everything about this place from the second we arrived to the sad time of leaving. Free yoga and gym classes were needed to offset the amazing spread of food available, and got used to not wearing shoes for two weeks. Great staff who couldn't do enough for you and what a wonderful setting, we even had a little group of sharks and sting rays swimming around the steps from our room. People have mentioned the construction taking place as they extend and build a resort on another island. Yes it is there and yes you can see some cranes but they are a mile away at least - we saw them every day and it just didn't bother us. Or anyone else we spoke to. Have a cocktail, go swimming with a gazillion fish, turtles and sharks. I'd go back tomorrow if we could. Thank you to all the staff who made our stay so memorable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Langleigh Guest House; City: Berrynarbor Ilfracombe Devon England; Review: We only stayed for one night to break up our trip from Cornwall but it was worth it. Greeted by the owners David and Susie who were as welcoming and friendly as you could hope to meet. The rooms are immaculate and spotlessly clean and they even provide a birdwatching guide for the visitors in the huge garden below as well as a torch for the country roads if you're back late. David is an ex head chef and it shows at breakfast :) fresh home made bread and really gorgeous sausages and bacon. A wonderful stay and a highly recommended B&B John; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel; City: Bath Somerset England; Review: Set in its own grounds this is a great hotel with a really good spa. Very good room, very quiet and a comfortable bed. But I have two gripes, the first is a 10 minute wait in a queue for breakfast and the second is the parking charge. Be aware that when staying as a paying guest you will pay £15 per day for the privilege of parking your car there. The queue I can understand, we arrived at peak time but car parking charges? It has its own grounds and a pretty big car park, it's not in central London! Marked as 3 could be a 4/5; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: House of Sand and Fog (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Santa (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Finding Neverland (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Odyssey (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 2 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Snatch (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Get Shorty (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Women Want (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Entrapment (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: High Crimes (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men of Honor (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fools Rush In (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spy Hard (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kiss the Girls (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Deeds (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride 2 (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maid in Manhattan (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 3 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Swordfish (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 5 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 6: Part 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Double Jeopardy (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 1 (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The General's Daughter (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Fish Called Wanda (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Client (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Only You (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tomb Raider (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Con Air (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 6: Part 1 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Murder at 1600 (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Major Payne (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband, Black; Brand: Fitbit; Review: Excellent; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Energizer Rechargeable AA and AAA Battery Charger (Recharge Pro) with 4 AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries; Brand: Energizer; Review: excellent; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JBL E50BT Black Premium Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Stereo Headphone, Black; Brand: JBL; Review: Excellent; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Headphone Case by dBs. Protective Hard Carry case for Travelling. Universal Headset; Brand: Bds; Review: excellent; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: for JBL Charge2 Plus Charge; Brand: co2CREA; Review: excellent; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: K B Resort; City: Ko Chang Trat Province; Review: Quiet location on beach. Good breakfast and resaturant. A bit overpriced family rooms. Beach rocky during tides.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pathumwan Princess Hotel; City: Bangkok; Review: Booked this hotel cause of it's location next to MBK and swimmingpool. But when we checked in we were told that kids were not allowed to use the swimmingpool. After complaning they were allowed to swim accompanied by parents. The hotel would be a 5 star hotel if they had more facilities for families with kids. But rooms, staff and breakfast was superb. But prices are very high. Must be one of the most expensive places to eat and drink in Thailand. Hotel charge 15 bath per minute for internet/wifi. My opinion is this should be free of charge.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Niels Juel; City: Koege Koege Municipality South Zealand Zealand; Review: Nice spot in Denmark. Close to town and beach. They provide bicycles for free. Breakfast could be better.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Selina Cancun; City: Cancun Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Although this hotel is cheap ($ 50) you should be able to expect basic services. Our flight left early the next morning so we asked for wake-up and ordered a taxi at the reception. Luckily, we had our own alarm clocks ... for no one woke us and no taxis were on hand.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Posada Yum Kin; City: Tulum Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Our family spent 6 nights here and even if the location wasn't what we expected we must say its a great place to stay at. Carlos with staff are very helpful and gave us information about restaurants on the beach. The beach is really fantastic but the best parts are owned by hotels and you need to drink or eat something there to get access. Taxis are cheap fr the hotel so you dont need a car. We went with small kids and they really enjoyed the pool and hammocks. Its a 10 minute walk to closest restaurant so its very practical with the kitchen facilities in the rooms.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apartments Massol; City: Port de Pollenca Majorca Balearic Islands; Review: Quiet and central location. Close to lots of restaurants and near a nice beach. Negative: The TV had only 3 channels, all german. Wifi isnt free of charge.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Suites Gaby Hotel; City: Cancun Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Among the best hotels we stayed at in Mexico. Great value. We paid around 30 us dollars for a clean, large room. Many resturants within 10 minutes walk. Safe area. Free working wifi. Perfect if you just stay a couple of nights in Cancun.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cabanas Maria Del Mar; City: Isla Mujeres Yucatan Peninsula; Review: We have stayed in this hotel before and liked the location but found that the facility could use a face lift. One should always question a hotel that requires a deposit of 150 dollars and now I know why. At our recent stay in late december we were accused of having broken a shelf in the room. The shelf was not broken but had just come off which we corrected. For this they charged us 143 dollars! from our deposit. We then demanded to speak to their manager not working on site but they refused to call her. It was clear that the poor staff did not dare to question the decision and we can only regret that the hotel has such a lousy leadership. So now we understand how they are trying to fund the necessary renovations, by accusing guest of damaging the old-fashioned decor. So our advice is, stay away! There is a lots of places nearby where you can expect decent customer service. Had the hotel been in our home country, we had made a police report on fraud....; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Days Inn by Wyndham Florida City; City: Florida City Florida; Review: If you are heading towards or from the keys this is a perfect overnight stop. Clean and comfortable rooms and also a nice pool just outside the door. The breakfast is ok if you like american fastfood. The location is great, just a short walk to Florida city Premium Outlets.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tara Mantra Cha Am; City: Cha am Phetchaburi Province; Review: We stayed at Tara Mantra for 1 night on our way south and i must say it was a really pleasant stay. The staff is just brilliant. The rooms are spacy and the breakfast offered more than we possibly could eat. The pools are Aldo great . Our kids loved the place. Highly recommended!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Baan Grood Arcadia Resort Spa; City: Bang Saphan Prachuap Khiri Khan Province; Review: If visiting Ban Krud this is the nicest place to stay at. Great pools and the fine beach is just across the street. The restaurant have lots of choices. If you can afford 3500 thb choose one of the poolvillas with seaview. The other rooms are in the backyard.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Willa Pod Skocznia; City: Zakopane Lesser Poland Province Southern Poland; Review: Stayed there for 4 nights and liked it. Quiet, clean and nice helpful staff. Simple but good breakfast and tasty food in the restaurant. The location is convenient with skilifts (green slopes) and citycentre within walking distance (5-10 min). The only negative thing is the sofabed which is hard as rock so keep that in mind when book your room; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Where the Wild Things Are; Author: Maurice Sendak; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Yes, the wild things are a little bit scary, but in the end there is home and supper. Utter satisfaction.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lots of Dots; Author: Craig Frazier; Genres: children, fiction; Review: After we read this fun book with pictures made of dots, our story time kids had a wonderful time making their own dot pictures with cut-out circles and glue.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bedtime Bunnies; Author: Wendy Watson; Genres: children, fiction; Review: Each step in the bunny family's bedtime routine is simply expressed in four words. I like the unusual, rhyming vocabulary and the soft-focus bunny family's cozy tree trunk home!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star; Author: Jane Cabrera; Genres: children, poetry, fiction; Review: I love Jane Cabrera's illustrations of animals around the world looking up at a star. I gave the book only four stars because the last page can't really be sung correctly to the "Twinkle Twinkle" tune, but the book is definitely worth sharing with your little one at bedtime.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Time for Bed; Author: Mem Fox; Genres: children, poetry, fiction; Review: This classic bedtime book is made for one-on-one sharing, but a little too gentle for a story time room full of rambunctious toddlers.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nighty-Night, Cooper; Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff; Genres: children; Review: I didn't have time to read this to the group, but this sweet book offers several lullabies you can sing to your little one, set to familiar tunes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hello, Day!; Author: Anita Lobel; Genres: children, fiction; Review: This is one of my favorite "new baby" gift books. On first glance, it is just another animal sounds book, but the illustrations, reminiscent of VanGogh's Starry Night, are stunning. The arc of the story takes us through the day with the sun rising and setting, and finally the moonrise. My only reservation is the page with the rabbit's sound; I don't think rabbits purr, do they?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Froggy Gets Dressed; Author: Jonathan London; Genres: paranormal, children, fantasy, fiction; Review: A classic, and the only Froggy book I've ever used in story time for some reason. Kids hang on the story of Froggy getting dressed to play in the snow, each time forgetting to put on an article of winter clothing. By the time Froggy's mother tells Froggy he's forgotten his underwear, the audience is in stitches! Make sure to ham up Froggy's mother's voice, and Froggy's exasperated "Whaaaaaat?"; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Mitten; Author: Kristine O'Connell George; Genres: children, poetry, fiction; Review: This is a cute story of a girl who loses one of her mittens. What can you do with just one mitten? Lots of things: make a sleeping bag for a stuffed animal, put it on your dog's tail, wave it like a flag. When she finds the second mitten, she shows what two mittened hands can do before going out to play in the snow with a friend.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pouch!; Author: David Ezra Stein; Genres: children, fiction; Review: A timid joey tries venturing out into the world, but jumps back into his mother's pouch at each animal he encounters ... until he meets another baby kangaroo, and they decide to explore the world together.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Where Is the Green Sheep? (Horn Book Fanfare List (Awards)); Author: Mem Fox; Genres: children, poetry, fiction; Review: There aren't many books I've been asked to read twice during a story time. I think I could have read this one three times! Fun rhymes, opposites and a mysterious green sheep!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tuck Me In!; Author: Dean Hacohen; Genres: children, fiction; Review: Cover each of the adorable baby animals with their colorful blankets. This would be perfect to share at bedtime with your toddler, but didn't fly in our boisterous group.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Raindrop, Plop!; Author: Wendy Cheyette Lewison; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: A good counting up and counting down story, which starts with one raindrop, and ends with one sun. Lots of details in the pictures would make this story even better for sharing one-on-one.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pots and Pans; Author: Patricia Hubbell; Genres: children, young-adult; Review: This book is fun to read because of the terrific rhythm. We like to read this book and then play "drum" with a pot lid and a wooden spoon. Open up your cupboards and play!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hi, Pizza Man!; Author: Virginia Walter; Genres: children, fiction; Review: What's better than having pizza delivered for dinner? Having it delivered by a snake or a dinosaur! A clever mother keeps her hungry daughter entertained while they wait for the pizza man. Quack, quack, pizza duck!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Noisy Counting Book; Author: Susan Schade; Genres: children; Review: This book is always a hit, no doubt because of the sound effects and the boy finally shouting for all the animals to BE QUIET!!! The frog sound -- ga-dunk -- gets giggles, too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stars; Author: Mary Lyn Ray; Genres: children, poetry, fiction; Review: A sweet book for shared bedtime reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: LaCie d2 Quadra Hard Disk 1 TB eSATA/FireWire800/FireWire400/USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive 301442U (Aluminum); Brand: LaCie; Review: Using as the "Time Machine" for my Mac. Have been using another brand, but it was difficult to be recognized by the new Mac - gave up and purchased two LaCies for my two iMacs. Plugged them in and they started off on the first try, no problems,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Roku 4200XB Refurbished Streaming Device; Brand: Roku; Review: Remote did not sync with the unit after many attempts and call to Roku service. Have returned unit and ordered a new unit rather than the factory re-furbished unit. Roku help line was no help. Tried to tell me the problem with with the router. It work fine with Apple and the older Roku model.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Cobra Electronics CDR 840 Drive HD Dash Cam with GPS; Brand: Cobra; Review: Easy to set up and use. I purchased the 32gb card to record on - not sure it is necessary; however, wanted to use it for a very long road trip. I was astonished at the clarity of the video when viewed on the computer. It attaches easily and quickly to the windshield -- which is important as I don't want it visible when I park in the public garage.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SanDisk Ultra 32GB UHS-I/Class 10 Micro SDHC Memory Card With Adapter - SDSDQUAN-032G-G4A; Brand: SanDisk; Review: Great price; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: iMBAPrice 12 Feet Professional Quality Nickel Plated 3.5 mm Male/Female Stereo Audio Extension Cable; Brand: iMBAPrice; Review: Great to use ear buds to watch TV while the wife reads.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wireless Headphones, Lightweight Sport Earphone, HiFi Stereo Magnetic Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones, Tangle Free, HD Buit-In Mic, Support 2; Brand: LBell; Review: I have a backup battery for my iPhone which prevent me from using the ear buds. The wireless ear buds solves the problem. Now I can go all day with out recharging AND listen to music and books on the phone. The price is so reasonable too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: How Much Protein You Should Actually Eat in One Meal, According to Experts; Abstract: We asked the experts how much protein is too much to consume in just one meal alone so that you don't end up consuming excess calories.; Category: health
Title: 11 Exercises and Workouts Mark Wahlberg Trains With to Stay in Top Shape; Abstract: Depending on what schedule he's on, Wahlberg has one routine where he's awake by 3 a.m., gets in a workout before 6 a.m.; Category: health
Title: Anthony Davis, LeBron James dominate offensively to lead Lakers past Warriors in preseason bout; Abstract: ; Category: sports
Title: Stephen Curry injury update: Warriors guard to undergo CT scan (hand) to see if he'll need surgery; Abstract: Stephen Curry was going up for a layup but fell to the court and was landed on by Aron Baynes.; Category: sports
Title: 3D-printed Living Skin With Blood Vessels Created by Scientists; Abstract: Experts hope the technology could help patients with conditions such as diabetes.; Category: health
Title: Curry injury worse than originally thought, could be out for season; Abstract: Steph Curry injured his hand last Wednesday when he fell awkwardly, and it was immediately apparent that something wrong had happened.; Category: sports
Title: 8 Secret Spots You Never Knew Existed in Disney Parks; Abstract: Make your next trip even more magical.; Category: travel | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Second Winter; Brand: Johnny Winter; Review: Every song on this CD is a gem--pure, honest blues, delivered in Johnny's unique style. When I was 17 (1974) Johnny Winter was a hero to me and my guitar playing friends; when I listen to "Second Winter" today, it only reaffirms what I once thought: Johnny Winter is one of the best blues guitarists around. It's inexplicible to me why he doesn't get the acclaim that, for example, Stevie Ray or Eric Clapton receive. They've got nothing on Johnny Winter. This is Winter's best recording. His versions of Dylan's "Hwy 61" and Little Richard's "Miss Ann" and "Slippin' and Slidin'" are superb, as are his own songs. Brother Edgar played on this recording--before anyone knew who he was. His sax and keys give a nice R&B feel to the groove that Johnny, Tommy Shannon and Uncle John Turner lay down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Basement Tapes; Brand: Bob Dylan; Review: and the poor old chauffer, he was back in bed... listening to a poignant Richard Manuel sing about a lost love (Katie). This is one of my all time favorites. Down home American music.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Am Shelby Lynne; Brand: Shelby Lynne; Review: A few years after her very fine 1995 recording, "Restless" I kept checking the CD bins, the web, anything, for more information. Nothing. I was afraid Shelby had quit recording. Finally: "I am Shelby Lynne." Having listened to this many times now I'm slightly disappointed. But there are some great songs, for example, "Dreamsome." Many of the songs have duet vocals (Shelby and Shelby)--that don't really showcase her superb voice. This is the woman I once heard sing Aretha's "Chain of Fools" live--as if she owned the song. Unfortunately a few of these songs sound like Sheryl Crow arrangements--for example, "Why can't you be?" and "Thought it would be easier." Yeah, I know, same producer (who also co-writes). But it shouldn't sound the same. Shelby Lynne is a much different singer whose talents, it seems, could have been expressed in a better way. Those listeners used to her previous country style may be disappointed. I welcome the change in direction but hope the next one is better.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deja Vu; Brand: Crosby Stills Nash & Young; Review: Many of the lyrics now seem rather naive and, sometimes, trite ("No pass out signs on the door set me thinking, are waitresses paying the price of their winking? While stars sit at bars and decide what they're drinking...") but then they were written by guys who were but 25 or so. They do, however, seem to capture a moment in time; especially Joni Mitchell's Woodstock. But beyond the lyrics, this album is full of the band's great vocal power--not only the harmonies (their trademark) but the solos. Stills, in particular, had such a wonderful, unique voice. And Crosby's "Almost Cut My Hair" is sung with such an attitude, it overcomes any sense that the song is dated. As a guitar band, (yes, they were), CSNY was at their best on this one. It's fully of gritty, funky Stills-Young jams that embellish and spice songs such as Carry On, Woodstock, Almost Cut My Hair, and Everybody I Love You. Even more so than the lyrics, the music on this album reminds me of what I felt, as a 13-yr old, in 1970.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deja Vu; Brand: Crosby Stills Nash & Young; Review: Many of the lyrics now seem rather naive and, sometimes, trite ("No pass out signs on the door set me thinking, are waitresses paying the price of their winking? While stars sit at bars and decide what they're drinking...") but then they were written by guys who were but 25 or so. They do, however, seem to capture a moment in time; especially Joni Mitchell's Woodstock. But beyond the lyrics, this album is full of the band's great vocal power--not only the harmonies (their trademark) but the solos. Stills, in particular, had such a wonderful, unique voice. And Crosby's "Almost Cut My Hair" is sung with such an attitude, it overcomes any sense that the song is dated. As a guitar band, (yes, they were), CSNY was at their best on this one. It's fully of gritty, funky Stills-Young jams that embellish and spice songs such as Carry On, Woodstock, Almost Cut My Hair, and Everybody I Love You. Even more so than the lyrics, the music on this album reminds me of what I felt, as a 13-yr old, in 1970.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Complete Stax/Volt Singles: 1959-1968; Brand: Otis Redding; Review: For those who grew up in the 60's, when the music in the air carried the promise of hope in a sad song, and the positive joy of living in all others, this is it. I love this box set beyond words. With 9 CDs every song cannot be great; but I especially enjoy disks 5 through 9 (130 or so songs)--which I listen to anytime with pleasure. It's amazing all the fantastic, soulful songs on here that didn't chart or barely charted, For example, "Howw...can youu...mistreat the one you love"--Jeannie and the Darlings; or, "I'm a Big Girl Now"--Mabel John; or "You (sure can't) Run Away From Your Heart"--Judy Clay; or the knock out version of "Knock on Wood" by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas. This is a treasure chest of unsung gems. I don't understand the notion (expressed in two prior reviews) that David Porter isn't represented on this recording; he and Isaac Hayes are well represented; they wrote three of the four songs listed above(as well as many other great songs on this set; and Porter's shown in at least one of the photos of a very fine accompanying booklet). If you liked the music in the Blues Bros. movie, well, much of it is on this Stax set--including a recurring theme song that is Otis Redding's "Turn it Loose". It has all the songs of Otis (the real soul man--just listen), Sam & Dave, Booker T & the MGs, Albert King, Johnnie Taylor, The Bar-Kays and other greats artists. The price sounds steep but it's worth every dime.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: After The Gold Rush; Brand: Neil Young; Review: Heh, heh, what can I say, there are so many great reviews here on point concerning this, Neil Young's greatest contribution to music. Tell you why? Well, it's so pure, so honest, folksy and sensitive--in a positive sense. To me it's intensely personal--epitomizing Neil Young's character. There's not a lot of electric guitar here--it feels like being in a large room with a high ceiling listening to acoustic piano and guitar played by someone who really knows how--great ambience. The electric is funky, minimilistic, to use another reviewer's term, and perfect; see for example, "Southern Man" and "When You Dance..." Young wasn't afraid to use a straight country song, Don Gibson's "Oh, Lonesome Me"--although he turns it into the blues. All the other music and lyrics are his. Some gems: "Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself, when you're old enough to repaint but young enough to sell?" Or, "When you dance, do your senses tingle and take a chance...while the lonely mingle with circumstance." And "yes, only love can break your heart..." This record, too, may touch your heart.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All Things Must Pass; Brand: George Harrison; Review: This is an old treasure I hadn't listed to for years. Now that I have it on CD I find myself playing it over and over. As others have commented, this is George's best work. Indeed, I'd say all of the songs here (excepting the new outtakes and the jams) match anything he's put on a Beatles album. they certainly would have been worthy as Beatles songs. Unfortunately, it's probably true, as George has said, the band didn't spend has much time on his songs as they did on those of his oh-so-brilliant mates, Lennon and McCartney. But with All Things Must Pass, considerable effort was spent on making the songs; and it shows. The songs are melodious, sincere and unpretentious. There's a sense of honest expression here but, unlike with Lennon, who's honesty was sometimes bitter and sarcastic, Harrison comes across as heartfelt, human, sometimes profound. There's an overriding religious theme to this album but it isn't overbearing nor does it interfere with the good music. Many songs are simply words of wisdom on living, for example: "The love you are blessed with/This world's waiting for/So let out your heart please, please/From behind that locked door." In my book, Harrison was one of the very few rock guitarists who could play slide and play it well (D. Allman & J. Walsh also come to mind); his pure slide is in abundance on this recording. How many popular songs do you know where you can whistle or hum the lead guitar part? "My Sweet Lord" is indelibly ingrained in our musical consciousness. The lead is a pretty melody played elegantly. Other less known songs, such as "I'd Have you Anytime," also have this feature. I'm not a fan of outtakes in general, asking: why weren't they included in the original? Usually it's rather evident. My opinion doesn't change here. With the exception of the previously unreleased, "I Live for You," the add'l alternate takes don't add anything. But they don't need to for the original 18 songs (not counting the uninspired jams) are a pleasure to listen to time and time again. George Harrison's songwriting really hit a peak on All Things Must Pass. And in every other way, it's one of the finest of the Beatle solos or of all the great recordings that came out in 1970.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monk's Dream; Brand: Thelonious Monk; Review: I just love to discover great new or old music and it's happened again with Thelonius Monk. I'd always heard *of* him but never got around to listening. Well, jazzed by the recent Ken Burns series (although I missed the Monk portion), I bought a Monk CD, and another, and now more. I'm knocked out by Monk's Dream and Straight, No Chaser in particular. He plays such pretty melodies on the piano but always with a touch of dissonance (although not too much). It's as if Monk is saying, ah, it's a beautiful world but some things aren't quite right so I'm gonna add a little edge to this chord--which he does. Monk is mercurial, with swing. And the band swings right along. The interplay between Monk and Charlie Rouse is especially satisfying. Agreed, this is a great CD for introducing someone to jazz.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Let It Bleed; Brand: The Rolling Stones; Review: This album is where the Stones really came into their own, where Jagger and Richards made it sound like they wanted. Although you can't always get what you want, I think Keith Richard's guitar soundscapes here are nigh on perfect, from the intro to Gimme Shelter, to the bass line he plays in Live with Me, to the guitar that counters the bass line in Live with Me, to the riff in Monkey Man and to almost all guitar parts in between (Mick Taylor only plays bits on Country Honk & Live with Me). Keith established his style and stamped a template for rock n roll on this record, my favorite Stones album by far. No Stones album is complete without a throw away song or more and I'd nominate Country Honk here. Otherwise, there are some classics: Gimme Shelter is chilling, Live with Me is pure crotch rock. Ian Stewart's piano carries Let it Bleed. Mick's harp and lyrics on Midnight Rambler paint a dark but vivid picture. And rock and roll guitar players who want to play a thousand notes should listen to Monkey Man and hear how Richards creates a rich song with a simple riff. Unlike the original LP, the CD includes a list of who played what on each song. Lots of surprises. A fine, fine album.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Built to Last; Brand: Grateful Dead; Review: Those who believe the notion that the Dead is not a studio band are missing some great music. If a group of creative and dynamic musicians, with several strong songwriters, who have been playing together over 20 years, can't produce some great studio music, they're probably not such a hot band. Such is not the case here. One doesn't need the ambiance of a concert hall or dope to enjoy the Grateful Dead. I've enjoyed almost all their studio efforts for years and "Built to Last" doesn't disappoint. By comparison with their later efforts, it's much better than "In the Dark." And if you like "Go to Heaven" (I do), you'll like this one too. Brent Mydland, the band's greatest and sorely missed keyboardist, takes a larger role on "Built to Last," writing four of the nine songs. The only one I don't care for is the pedantic "We can Run." His other songs are great. "Blow Away" soars with its majestic sounding keys and Garcia's incredible tonal solos. Garcia's "Foolish Heart" and "Standing on the Moon" are a couple of his best songs. Weir adds edge with "Victim or the Crime" and "Picasso Moon." Instrumentally, Garcia is in great form on all the songs. Mydland's keyboards add color throughout--like the band seldom had before he joined.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shoulda Been Home; Brand: Robert Cray; Review: "Shoulda Been Home" is in the same vein as "Take your Shoes Off"-soulful, bluesy, warm, yet sad. Most all the great Stax/Volt music of the sixties was made by artists in their 20's (Albert King a notable exception). Robert Cray has taken the sound and spirit of that music and expressed it through the feelings and experiences of someone who's a little older. One example is "Already Gone"--a poignant longing for something that has past. Cray knows his way in and out of a minor chord and, as usual, uses them to great effect. But he also play the major stuff as evidenced by "Cry For me Baby"--which has a great lick and groove that reminds me of a Muddy Waters song he did with Johnny Winter: Cat something... His voice is wonderful--similar to Al Green's only mellower. The band, like Cray's guitar, doesn't overplay, a rarity in blues today. I especially like Jim Pugh's organ which alternately swirls, adds color, or growls ala Jimmy Smith. The one song I don't care for is "12 year old boy"--because I don't understand what it's about. Otherwise, they are all good. "Already Gone" is sublime. This is powerful breaking up music so beware if it's happening to you.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Volunteers; Brand: Jefferson Airplane; Review: I'm so glad to have re-discovered this gem. It showcases Jefferson Airplane as the powerhouse band they were. With four fine songwriters, and as many vocalists, they could pull off a variety of material all driven by the hot guitar/bass duo of Kaukonen and Casady (later, and now, Hot Tuna). The song, "Volunteers," is as stirring today as ever--the rhythm guitar, and Marty Balin's vocal both crackling with energy. "We Can Be Together" has that unique meld of Slick and Kantner voices; and, with the underlying guitars is an archetype of the Airplane sound. It's also a precursor to the one outstanding (and one only) "Starship" album, "Blows Against the Empire" that followed this one. "Good Shepherd" is my favorite Jorma Kaukonen song/arrangement--such a nice melody, contrasted with his jagged-edge guitar. "Turn My Life Down" is another fine Kaukonen song with Balin vocal highlighted by a jam with Kaukonen on lead and Stephen Stills on Hammond organ. "Wooden Ships" is good performance here although it pales by comparison with the Crosby, Stills and Nash version. "A Song for all Seasons" is the one bad song and shouldn't have been included; but it doesn't mar the rest of a very strong album. "Meadowlands" is a brief gothic-sounding organ piece which leads perfectly into the crunching guitar chords of "Volunteers."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Secret Life Of Plants 1978 Documentary Film; Brand: Stevie Wonder; Review: This is a soundtrack to a movie most people haven't seen. But it does what great soundtracks do: it paints moods. And how! The melodies on this recording are sublime; they will move you. When I went to view this at Amazon I fully expected a low rating--because it is not a commercially successful record and most people, when recommending Stevie Wonder, will name half a dozen other well-known great albums. But to my delight, I see from other reviews, others, too, are passionate about this unsung treasure. It must be one of the most underrated albums of all time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Living in the Material World; Brand: George Harrison; Review: Although not up to the greatness of "All Things Must Pass," "Living in the Material World" still contains many strong songs. "Sue Me, Sue You Blues" is in the spirit of "Taxman" only better--skewering the legal system and the absurdity of the Beatles suing each other. "Don't Let Me Wait Too Long," as someone else points out, could easily have been a single--an upbeat, infectious song about love. "Living in the Material World," the song, has a beautiful bridge with only tabla, flute and George's voice; it's supposed to sound spiritual--and it works! Speaking of which, one criticism of this recording I hear is that it's too religious. I disagree. First, only a few songs use words with overtly religious content. And with those that do, they don't interfere with the enjoyment of the music. If the lyrics of "My Sweet Lord" don't bother you, then these songs shouldn't either. On first listen, this recording may seem slow, but the songs grow on you. There are many pretty melodies and George's superb guitar is in evidence throughout. The only song I find pedantic is "That's All"--the final one. Otherwise, they all are good music. For anyone contemplating a George Harrison solo, "All Things Must Pass" is definitely the one. But "Material World" is my second favorite.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Horse; Brand: George Harrison; Review: This is a most underrated recording. While it won't make anyone's list of greats, Dark Horse contains a bevy of very fine songs. A sense of personal warmth really comes through here--not only in the songs themselves, but in the style they were recorded--as if you are in his house as they are played. Dark Horse is mostly an album about the breakup of a marriage; all the songs on the first side cover this theme, as well as the second side's "Ding Dong" ("ring out the old, ring in the new!"). Despite the fragility of his voice, "Simply Shady" is, I believe, one of the best vocals he has ever done--sung with great feeling and sincerity. Guys who've been through the breakup of an important relationship may find words that speak to their feelings in "Simply Shady" and "So Sad." "Bye Bye Love" is the only song that fails on this record; it starts out with great promise, rhythm guitar and synthesizer making a fine blend; but the song falls apart in the middle as George's newly written verses to this F&B Bryant classic don't follow its structure. George has some crack musicians backing him here--roughly two groups: the L.A. Express (probably most noted as Joni Mitchell's band on "Court and Spark" as well as their own "Tom Cat") and a nucleus of Billy Preston, Willy Weeks and Andy Newmark. The latter combo, along with George and guitar, really hits a groove lick on "Maya Love"--reminding me that many great songs by Lennon, McCartney and (especially) Harrison were not recorded by the Beatles but instead were consigned to solo albums--with sometimes mixed results. But "Maya Love" and other songs here do not suffer for their musicianship. "Ding Dong" is a Christmasy song and I always remember listening to this album in the winter (in the 70s and now). "It is He" (Jai Sri Krishna) is an infectious mantra, not unlike "My Sweet Lord" and the only overtly religious song on the album. "Far East Man." written with Ron Wood, strikes me as a very personal song--one might write about a close friend. Those not already sold on George Harrison's music should certainly begin with "All Things Must Pass" but if you know you like his other stuff, "Dark Horse" should not be overlooked. It is arguably better than anything he put out later.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Take Your Shoes Off; Brand: Robert Cray; Review: This is the middle of a trio of great CDs I have from Robert Cray (the others: Sweet Potato Pie and Shoulda Been Home). Cray's songs, voice, guitar, and the band are full of soul. The songs are about relationships--some happy, mostly sad--written from a man's perspective. They're honest songs, touching real emotions. This CD is full of tight, sparse playing and arrangements. The tempo is generally laid back, hence, perhaps, the title. But it's not slow. The standout songs are "(I'll be your) 24-7 Man" which swings like mad; "(Grant him a) Pardon" about a guy who's never quite recovered from a lost love; and "Let Me Know (Love, was it that bad?)," with its awesome 'crying to the sky' guitar solo. If you like the Memphis sound and the Stax records that came out in the 60s, Cray is the one artist I know carrying on that tradition. And he does it in a contemporary fashion without losing any of the feeling.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meet The Jazztet; Brand: Art Farmer; Review: "Meet the Jazztet" is certainly a diamond in the rough. I find myself returning to it often--more than most jazz CDs. It's very easy on the ears, full of melodic compositions (say Benny Golson) with a mellow trombone presence from Curtis Fuller. Recorded in 1960, I suspect this recording isn't better known for two reasons: the name of the band is non-descript and there are no big stars. But the stellar line-up of Art Farmer, Fuller, Golson, McCoy Tyner, Addison Farmer and Lex Humphries swings hard. You won't go wrong with this one. "Killer Joe" could be a pop tune or a jazz tune; it's a sure classic.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flora Purim Sings Milton Nascimento; Brand: Flora Purim; Review: This CD has really grown on me; at first I found it a bit too pop-flavored, with several sax-laden tunes--almost like something you'd hear on a "light jazz" station (yuck). But good songs in any form (as well as artists) tend to rise to the occasion and this is no exception. My favorite songs are "Nuvem Cigana," "Nada Sera Como Antes, Amanha," (Nothing Will be as it Was...Reprised), "Nos Dois," and the happily energetic "Cravo E Canela." As you might guess, all the songs are sung in Portuguese. I don't understand the language but I do love the sound of Flora's voice and the fine tunes carry them the rest of the way. Long-time fans of Flora Purim are familiar with "Nothing Will Be as it was, Tomorrow"--the title of one of her best 70's recordings. A rearranged version is on this set. The new one took a bit getting used to but now I like it a lot. It's a bit mellower than the original; the muted horns on the chorus add a particular warmth and swing to this song. Airto Moreira contributes a nice vocal on "Gira Girou." Their daughter, Diana Moreira Booker, also provides backing vocals throughout. My favorite song is "Nos Dois" which begins with an achingly beautiful solo piano followed by Flora's melancholy voice singing about "The Two of Us." If you're familiar with Flora Purim, you'll probably enjoy this new recording the same as the old. And if you don't know her, this is a good introduction to Brazilian flavored jazz and one of her greatest singers.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best of; Brand: George Harrison; Review: I don't often favor compilation records but this must be one of the most poorly conceived of all time, with little or no thought given to what listeners might actually want. The best thing to say about it is that it doesn't have any bad songs. But the songs come from (relatively speaking) different eras of his music--so there's little continuity or theme. And why put Beatles songs (over half the tracks) on here? Either you already have the Beatles albums they're on (thus, in buying this you'd buy a bunch of songs you already have) OR, if you don't have the Beatles albums, you should--otherwise you're missing out on some of the finest popular music of all, including not only the songs George wrote but all those Lennon/McCartneys on which he sings and shapes with his guitar work. Anyone with an interest in George Harrison's music should also consider "All Things Pass", which has 17 or 18 great songs--more than this collection. And there's some might tasty stuff on "Material World" and "Dark Horse" as well. All in all, there are better selections available to one who wants to explore the music of George Harrison.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Best of George Harrison; Brand: George Harrison; Review: I don't often favor compilation records but this must be one of the most poorly conceived of all time, with little or no thought given to what listeners might actually want. The best thing to say about it is that it doesn't have any bad songs. But the songs come from (relatively speaking) different eras of his music--so there's little continuity or theme. And why put Beatles songs (over half the tracks) on here? Either you already have the Beatles albums they're on (thus, in buying this you'd buy a bunch of songs you already have) OR, if you don't have the Beatles albums, you should--otherwise you're missing out on some of the finest popular music of all, including not only the songs George wrote but all those Lennon/McCartneys on which he sings and shapes with his guitar work. Anyone with an interest in George Harrison's music should also consider "All Things Pass", which has 17 or 18 great songs--more than this collection. And there's some might tasty stuff on "Material World" and "Dark Horse" as well. All in all, there are better selections available to one who wants to explore the music of George Harrison.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Restless; Brand: Shelby Lynne; Review: This is an album that swings from start to finish. And it's a country album; Shelby Lynne's voice is right out front, soaring and aching like she does so well. It isn't buried electronically like on her more recent recordings. I never tire of hearing this record. There aren't any bad songs; indeed, they all seem as if they'd fit on the radio. Particularly worthy are "When the Sun Goes Down," "Hey Now Little Darlin'" and "I Wish I Knew"--the latter a real heartbreaker. "I'm not the One" is a song about a woman in love with a man who still loves someone else: "She needs to know how much you miss the kiss..." It's a shame "Restless" isn't currently in print; I think it's easily her best recording. Well, I haven't bought the latest (Love, Shelby); the cover sure makes one think twice about buying, doesn't it? Shelby Lynne isn't Britney Spears and you don't want her to be. With such a great voice and feeling for a song, who needs the other? In any event, "Restless" is a great recording, well worth having.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jazz Samba VME - Remastered; Brand: Charlie Byrd; Review: This is supposedly the original bossa nova record. If so, it's now clear why bossa nova was such a craze in America. The music is an effortless sounding marriage between fine melody and rhythm. Jazz Samba sounds a lot like a great soundtrack to a movie from the 60s. Maybe it was. Or, more likely, many soundtracks simply tried to emulate the sound. In any case, it's most pleasurable. Charlie Byrd and Stan Getz complement each other so well, neither playing over the other. The sax and guitar are not a common duo but these two pull it off like they were long lost brothers. I like this recording better than Getz/Gilberto because it seems more fluid, more natural. This is not the light/kixy/kenny/smooth jazz foisted on the radio public these days although it would probably fit in that format. Jazz Samba is the real deal. It does not pretend atmosphere; it creates one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When I Stop Dreaming: The Best of The Louvin Brothers; Brand: Louvin Brothers; Review: Like another reviewer, I was introduced to the music of the Louvin Bros. through Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris. It's evident their wonderful duets were strongly influenced by the brothers. The Louvin Bros. represent some of the finest old-time country music made. Not only were they great singers but songwriters and musicians too--during an era (the 50s) when country music could came straight from the churches and straight from the hills, without passing through a corporate music mill as we hear from Nashville today. Fans of old-time country, folk, bluegrass, gospel or the Everly Bros. should not miss these guys. As a write this, the songs listed on the Amazon site are mistakenapparently from another record. Rest assured, When I Stop DreamingThe Best of the Louvin Bros contains all of their best known numbers, including "The Family Who Prays," "When I Stop Dreaming," "Don't Laugh," "I Don't Believe You've Met my Baby," "Hoping that You're Hoping,", "Knoxville Girl," "You're Running Wild," and "My Baby's Gone." It also contains most of the songs Parsons/Harris covered including, "Cash on the Barrelhead," "If I Could Only Win Your Love" and "You're Learning." This collection doesn't, however, include "The Angels Rejoiced Last Night." There are 24 songs in all--recorded from 1952-1962. Ira and Charlie Louvin created some incredible vocal harmonies--as good as it gets. Ira's high tenor marks him as one of the most distinctive and greatest of country singers. Another outstanding feature of their music is the quality of their band--usually consisting of Ira's mandolin, an electric guitar (Chet Atkins or Paul Yandell), acoustic rhythm guitar and acoustic bass with an occasional piano and drums. No steelexcept on Cash on the Barrelhead. Their backing is sparse and flavorful. One song I particularly enjoy is the story-like "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby." It begins: "Last night, my dear, the rain was falling, I went to bed so sad and blue-- then I had a dream of you. I dreamed I was strolling in the evening, underneath the harvest moon. I was thinking a-bout you." Paul Yandell's reverberated but unobtrusive guitar fills evoke an image of night, the strumming guitar or mandolin sounds like the patter of rain and the band creates a sound which perfectly compliments the lyrics. Its easy to understand why this song hit #1 in 1956. Another favorite is "Hoping that You're Hoping." It swings. It's fun. ("Everytime I think about the way you spuddle up and cuddle up and fill me with your charms.") It also has a great guitar interlude (Again, by Paul Yandell. Between him and Atkins there are many such parts; this recording is a masterpiece of 50's style country electric guitar). This greatest hits collection also contains some fine but lesser-known songs including a wonderful acoustic number "Gonna Lay Down My Guitar" in which Ira Louvin plays Rabon Delmores (of the Delmore Bros.) guitar. This recording ends with a humorous but appropriate Roy Acuff song: "Stuck Up Blues" "Show me a hundred stuck up folks and I'll show you a hundred fools" But, no foolin'. Buy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Let It Be... Naked; Brand: The Beatles; Review: First of all, lest any reader has not heard "Let It Be", it's a fine record, worthy of any collection. It may not be the best record the Beatles ever made but it IS a Beatles original-meaning it's full of great music. In fact, it's distinctive in that it's the only good recording of the Beatles playing together live (unless you want to count the BBC radio tapes). The live songs on Let it Be show what a powerhouse band they were and why they once created such a commotion in places like Hamburg and Liverpool. Now, to the new version: the marketing message of "Let it be Naked" would have us believe this is an improved version of Let it Be-that this is how it should have been all along. I don't agree with that pitch. All in all, there's not that big of a difference between Let it Be and the newer version. And, of the changes that exist, the results are mixed. I understood Let it Be Naked was to be the same record as before, without the strings of Phil Spector (present on four songs of Let it Be), and without the in-between songs patter. "Don't Let Me Down" would be a new addition. The shorts: "Dig It" and "Maggie Mae" would be eliminated. Actually, Let It Be Naked contains some unadvertised, unexpected changes. Most of the songs are slightly different-not just in the absence of strings but in alternate mixes or alternate takes. Most of the changes are rather subtle, and some insignificant. But a few were disconcerting to this listener who has listened to these songs at least hundreds of times over the past 30+ years. "Get Back" and "I Dig a Pony" sound the same as before. One positive aspect of the new CD is that many of the instruments sound crisper, and their separation clearer. This is evident, for instance, in "I Dig a Pony" where George's guitar solo rings out clear as a bell. "The Long and Winding Road" is missing the strings, as expected. But, for some very minor differences, it sounds to me essentially like the same song. And I don't find it necessarily improved. The absence of strings does, however, improve the song "Let it Be". On the other hand, George's solo in "Let it Be" is quite a different one than the original released version, and I don't find it as appealing. Two of my favorite songs in the original Let it Be are "I've Got a Feeling" and "One After 909"-particularly because of the phenomenal guitar work in each. The section of "I've Got a Feeling" where it picks up speed and Paul is screaming and the guitar is screaming along with him is one of the finest moments in rock. And, in "One after 909", George's hot Telecaster leads carry the song. Unfortunately, Let it Be Naked has messed with the mix and where the guitars in these two songs were bright and up-front in the original, now they are more subdued-and something precious is lost. "Across; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: People Get Ready: Curtis Mayfield Story; Brand: Curtis Mayfield; Review: When I hear the music of Curtis Mayfield in this three-disc box set (51 songs), especially the early stuff, I feel really uplifted. The first 13 songs alone-all gems-are worth the price. To my knowledge, they are not available together on any other recording. In thinking about the contribution he's made to music, it occurred to me that Curtis had all of the rare qualities that made the Beatles so great. He was: (1) a fabulous songwriter; (2) a stone soul singer; (3) a crack musician; (4) a music pioneer; and, (5) politically conscious. Indeed, born in '42, he was a contemporary of the Beatles and was perhaps ahead of them in many ways. While the Beatles were singing, to teenaged girls, "I Want to Hold Your Hand," (early '64), Curtis was telling a woman "I'm So Proud of Being...Loved by You." His music had a maturity and political consciousness ahead of its time. By 1965, for example, he had penned "Woman's Got Soul" "She may not be the best-lookin' woman, I ever did see, or have the charms of the ladies of high society. But the woman's got soul, worth all the...gold" As large corporations increasingly dominate our politics, media, and culture, Curtis's words from 1968 are still right on the money: "Some people think, we don't have the right, to say, "It's my country'. Before they give in, they'd rather fuss and fight, than say, `It's my country'". I guess what I like the most about Curtis Mayfield is the honesty of his songs and the pure, sweet expression of his voice. He could really do a heartbreak song, as shown in "I Loved and I Lost...and I might as well confess" Probably my favorite song of all is the single "The Makings of You," which, apparently (incredibly), did not chart in 1970. "Add a little sugar, Honeysuckle Lamb, a great big expression of happiness... The joy of children laughing around you, these are the makings of you." Actually, it doesn't matter what he's singing on this song. The purity and soulfulness of his voice is apt to bring a tear. And the music is so pretty; it could be on the soundtrack to a movie. Many people enjoy the "Superfly" era of Curtis Mayfield (roughly 1970-73)-with it's funk-like rhythms and orchestration on songs such as "Move on Up" "Freddie's Dead" "Get Down" and "Pusherman". In fact, that's the music most people probably think of when they hear his name. That period is well represented in this set, mostly on disc two. My favorites are "We Got to Have Peace," "If I Were Only a Child Again" and 1975's "So in Love." There are three live songs at the end of disc one, "Check Out Your Mind," "Mighty Mighty (Spade and Whitey)", and "Stone Junkie" which shows a different side of Curtis-as the leader of a band that could funk and groove, and connect with a live audience. On disc three ('76-`90), Curtis exhibits a more laid-back approach, including a return to love songs such as "Between You Baby and; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rules of Travel; Brand: Rosanne Cash; Review: "Rules of Travel" is a piece of pop perfection. Almost too perfect, almost too slick. One might almost think Rosanne and her producer, John Leventhal, have found some secret formula for combining chord changes, instrumentation, and words in just the right mix to elicit a strong emotional response. And they decided to use it in every song on this recording. Naw. She's proven herself to be a singer and songwriter of substance. On this one, her talents really come to fruition. Most of the songs here are written by Rosanne and most are love songs. My favorites are "Closer than I Appear" and "Last Stop Before Home" Another great one is "Hope Against Hope" written by Jakob Dylan and Joe Henry. There are two songs about the end of life: "September When it Comes" and "Will You Remember Me." There is a feeling of poignancy to this whole record, in contemplating love or death. And see the little photo of a young man holding his baby daughter at the Memphis Zoo in 1955. Every song is a great song. I only wish there had been more than 11. But why mess with perfection?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: After Midnight: Kean College 2/28/80; Brand: Jerry Garcia; Review: I was inspired by the glowing reviews to buy this relatively expensive CD ($30 retail). At the same time, I've been listening to a group of Dick's Picks, mostly from the early 70's. DP #19, for example, is an incredible recording. What is clearly evident is the marked difference between the complexity of the Grateful Dead and this version of Garcia's Band. The Dead has three guitarists, a piano and drummer(s) playing completely different parts in a rich mixture. This band, on the other hand, is Garcia as lead, plus bass, keyboard and drummer playing supporting roles behind him. Right on the one beat. Right in the center of the chord. Never anything too unexpected or too complex. The value of this CD is that you get to hear some nice, and different, songs the Dead didn't do. And Jerry plays and sings well--although there are plenty of records--especially in the late 60s and 70s where he plays and sings very well. So if you like the complexity and depth of the Dead--some caution. This is Jerry plus a backing band. It's like a star musician rolling into town and picking up some local talent to back him for the show. As adequate as they may be, it isn't the Dead.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_CDs_and_Vinyl |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: PortoBay Falesia; City: Albufeira Faro District Algarve; Review: First time at this hotel,can't fault it,good frm reception,and Pedro, to all staff. Food was good if a little salty for us,great location ,only 2 comments,would be to not charge for safe in room,and nothing on the TV in rooms,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PortoBay Falesia; City: Albufeira Faro District Algarve; Review: 2nd time round, just as good as first time, same staff and manager, all first class and helpful, food good ,we were lucky with the weather,sunny but cool wind, but having a first class hotel,helped,when too cool to sit out. Easy to get to Albufera and shopping ect. recommend Algarve shopping! Best views around from the hotel. highly recommend!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mar Calma Hotel; City: Port de Pollenca Majorca Balearic Islands; Review: Nice reception from Tony and Carlos ,all staff were excellent, great location ,expect little noise from bars, as it is in the centre. Only comment we made to staff, was that we thought the definition of a suite, would mean something more than a small double bedroom with a chair, and very little storage space. Suggested to staff that better description would be, attic double bedroom with terrace. Apart from this would have said excellent overall rating.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: PortoBay Falesia; City: Albufeira Faro District Algarve; Review: 5th time at this hotel in March still super hotel and staff, food great,would recommend,manager excellent,and all on desk and porters , location is not too far away from the beach and old town/shops and restaurants.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PortoBay Falesia; City: Albufeira Faro District Algarve; Review: 5th time of visiting and was just as good as first time. All staff from the general manager to the cleaners were excellent, would highly recommend. good buffet bar for dinner,would have liked to see better cuts of meats,as some nights the cooked meats were small and tough,otherwise plenty choice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Logitech Curve Headphones for MP3 - Lime; Brand: Logitech; Review: Purchased this hi-tech, alien looking headphones not two months ago and the headphones have already snapped from stress midway across the thingee that goes over your head. Sound reproduction was good for what consumers pay. Weak or totally absent low and high end frequencies, but decent enough to enjoy for casual listening. Cord was ridiculously short (about 3') for most places of use so I had to buy an extension. The quality is comparable to most other Logicrap computer peripherals. I would not recommend this purchase.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Targus Sport Backpack for 15.4-Inch Laptops, Black with Gray Accents (TSB212); Brand: Targus; Review: Not much to say but durable, comfortable, and looks pretty good. This is actually the wife's netbook bag but I've used a couple times. We both love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Crystal Black); Brand: Asus; Review: I should wait a bit longer before posting a review, but I have to say that thus far this Asus Eee has been awesome. Mine has the Win XP Home it, and I've not had any problems from Windows Update, drivers, USB devices or anything. Great little machine. I use it pretty much just for Gmail, Gapps, and Internet. Only one complaint and that is even after following very carefully the initial charging procedures for the battery I don't get any 10.5 hours of active use out of it. It's more like 8 hours. I'd consider that to be pretty damn good though, and I'd never sit down and use for 8 hours non-stop anyhow.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Actiontec GT701WG 54 Mbps Wireless DSL Gateway; Brand: Actiontec; Review: Bought this for my mother over a year ago and it has been working flawlessly ever since. Fairly inexpensive at the time I purchased and has all the standard features of any DSL gateway. I'd highly recommend this device.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: HDMI; Brand: FarSail; Review: I've been using this FarSail switch for over a month. It's been the perfect switch for our setup where we just have a few devices and don't need a big receiver to support speakers or anything else. The PiP is also nice to have although I wish it would mark onscreen the number for the source. Regardless I'd highly recommend this switch.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Catch-22 (Catch-22, #1); Author: Joseph Heller; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: My thoughts about this book are pretty chaotic - I love it and hate it at the same time. Parts of it are just dumb and I wanted to give up reading after only few pages, but now I'm glad I didn't. There are many paragraphs that made me want to yell at this book, call it dirty names and kick it's ass, but I also wanted to know what happens to Yossarian, so there was no other option but to keep reading. Every time I decided to ignore my frustrations was a good decision becouse every single time, right after I decided to hate it, something happened - a new character, funny dialogue, unexpected event or a great description - that made me realise I actually like it. I laughed a lot, felt sad when one of my favorite characters got killed, frustrated by the absurdity of some events and annoyed by lots of small things that could easily be left out from the story. Now that I've finnished it, I can say that all in all, it is a great book. Parts of it are brilliant, the characters are very interesting and I really understand why so many people call it a masterpiece. I won't go that far, but I am going to say that Catch 22 is unique, interesting, funny and tragic at the same time and that there's a whole world in it to anyone who asks me about it again. (It happened a lot to me - as soon as I meet someone and tell them I love to read, ''Have you read Catch 22?'' follows. I don't know why is that, but from now on I'll be proud to answer with a ''Yes''.) So, to sum it up: 5 stars for originality, great characters (all of them are silly but very powerfull too), tragicomic events and really interesting perspective on World War II, minus 1 star for so much unnecessary babbling about nothing really.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vodoriga; Author: Andrew Davidson; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Brilliant start, great writing and unusual story. I liked the main storyline as well as all other stories of undying love that Marianne told from time to time. But somewhere in the middle I realised that I know exactly what is going to happen and (surprise, surprise) it did. Seriously, everything. That just killed my enthusiasm about the book. The story is still inspiring and worth reading, but I wish I was more surprised or at least that the ending left me with stronger feelings than it actually did. The second half was not bad, but it wasn't as good as the first one, so I am not thrilled with The Gargoyle as much as most readers are. I can still appreciate it as one of the most unusual books and I admire detailed and great writing, but because of the anticlimax in the end, I give it 3 stars.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Krila anđela; Author: Cynthia Hand; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I really like this book! Reasons: 1. TUCKER. Explanation not needed :D 2. CLARA. She is the proof that 17 years old female characters don't allways have to act stupid and just be annoying. Clara is strong, funny, likable, she acts like a normal girl (even in not-so-normal circumstances), knows what she wants and she is smart. She is not perfect and that is what makes her so great - she has her insecurities, but is also aware of her advantages. Even as an angel, she sounds so real, normal, and that's what I really liked about her. 3. ROMANCE. It was a real pleasure to read about it. It is not based on ''oh, he's sooo cute'' kind of thing, but on real connection. Their feelings are real and they actually took time to get to know each other and have real conversations before it developed in something more. It was beautiful from the first moment! 4. TWIST(S). The whole Christian-Clara-Tucker thing is nicely done and again, Cynthia Hand proved that there's no need repeating the whole Edward-Bella-Jacob crap to make things interesting. There's confusion, attraction, deep connection between both, Clara and Christian and Clara and Tucker, but both were so well described, it was clear what is what from the start. We know what she feels for both of them and all reasons for those feelings. There were also some nice surprises in the angel world, as they started to ''come out'', one by one. It was very interesting. 5. CLARA'S FAMILY. Her mom and brother are great and they sound like real family - there are secrets, misunderstandings, but there is definitely love and caring between the three of them. 6. DECENT WRITING. Nothing worse than a good story ruined by poor writing. Luckily that was not the case here. 7. HUMOR There were some moments that made me laugh out loud and I allways appreciate that. ... ... ... And the ending... I can't wait to read Hallowed!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ljubavnica Rima (The Empress of Rome, #1); Author: Kate Quinn; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I can't even try to describe all the feelings 'Mistress of Rome' left me with, so I will say only one thing - this book is absolutely PRFECT!!! I loved it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kćeri Rima (The Empress of Rome, #2); Author: Kate Quinn; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: As I expected, this was a great read. I simply couldn't put it down, it got me hooked at the opening line and I really enjoyed every minute of reading this amazing book. I liked everything about Daughters of Rome, just as I liked everything about Mistress of Rome. Daughters of Rome is a wonderful mix of well-developed characters, very interesting plot, historical events in ''The Year of Four Emperors'', political intrigue, romance, fights, great descriptions of life in ancient Rome and really, really good writing. It goes on my favorite shelf, right next to Mistress of Rome. (I must confess that I liked Mistress a little more than Daughters, but just a little :) While following the story of four Cornelias (which was exciting), it was nice to renew my knowledge of Roman history and to learn and take mental notes about details such as clothes, interior of the houses, very interesting food selection and eating habits and many other small sections of life in ancient Rome. All the emperors I learned about in History class back in school are not just names anymore and Daughters of Rome made them more real, more alive to me. Noone in this book is flawless, and that makes it easier to be aware that most of the characters really existed so many years ago and that events that took place really happened. This is a story about real people who are neither just good or just bad, but only human. I really liked that. To those who were not fortunate in real life (like centurion Densus and Llyn), Kate Quinn gave another chance for life and she did a great job doing it. I wish their reality was more like the one she gave them in this book instead of what really happened to them. Kate Quinn is a wonderful author and after two of her books I know I can't go wrong with her. I can't wait to put my hands on her next book, Empress of the Seven Hills. 5 stars!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Igra prijestolja (Pjesma leda i vatre #1); Author: George R.R. Martin; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Great read, I loved it. Good setting, strong characters and very interesting plot - everything I expected, and even more. The imagination of George R. R. Martin is just amazing! I really, really like the world of Seven Kingdoms and all it's intrigues, wars and history. The story is very complex, it takes time to get to know all the characters and places, but once you create the image of everything in your head (and check out the maps and list of families), you fall right into it. Every single character is masterly developed and it's hard to decide which one of them is my favorite. They are all strong and interesting to follow - Eddard (!), Arya, Daenerys, Jon Snow, Tyrion, and all the others. Everybody has a good story to tell and it's real pleasure to read every chapter. A Game of Thrones is a big book, but by the end I caught myself wishing it was even longer. It is unpredictable and gripping, surprises are lurking from every page and that's probably the best thing about it. You never know what to expect. Amazing! I can't wait to see what happens next, I just hope that Martin will not kill my favorite characters in the next book...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1); Author: Stieg Larsson; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: Good story with fresh descriptions and strong characters, I liked it very, very much.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Dark Lover was really good and I enjoyed every minute of it. It took me some time to get used to some terms, but that mini dictionary at the beginning with all necessary explanations was very helpfull with that. Now I can say - just like so many other readers - I am in love with this world of Black Dagger Brotherhood and I'm so happy for that :) I like everything about it - writing, world building, character development, romance, sex... Dark Lover is beautiful mix of all that. It's interesting, fun, hot and it really got my imagination going these few past days ;) At first names of characters sounded a little weird, but I love them now. I love how much personality is described in just one word - name of each Brother. J. R. Ward did a great job with naming her characters, they all sound really cool. And oh man, they are a hot bunch of vampires! I love that big scary warrior type, so I was really happy with how each Brother was described. They are all strong and sexy, just the way I like 'em. I can't wait to read all books with each one of them as the MC! I know Dark Lover is about Beth and Wrath, and I liked them both, but for me, some other characters stole the show. Butch, for one. I just loved that guy from the very beginning and I am so happy with how he fits in the Brotherhood, even though he's just human. I liked how he became friends with V, that was really fun. And he was so hot and sweet at once when he met Marissa for the first time. She is one lucky girl. I am also very, very intrigued by Zsadist. He sounds scary and cruel, but I just know that there's more to him and I can't wait to find out what exactly. Hollywood, or Rhage sounds like a fun guy, so right now he is also on my list of favorites. Hell, I love 'em all! Romance between Wrath and Beth started too fast, but I still enjoyed it. I did not fall for Wrath for some reason (maybe because my dad was watching a Steven Seagal movie when I started reading this, so I just kept picturing Wrath as S.Seagal and I couldn't shake off that damn image out of my head! Grrrr). Wrath and Beth fell for each other too fast and their first sex was kind of a wtf moment for me, but it was so hot that later I didn't even care about how fast they got it goin' on. Actually, every sex scene was beautiful. Sensual. Hot. Just... yeah. Loved it! Although Wrath is not my favorite brother, I like his devotion to Beth and I think he will be great as the King. And Beth really prooved that she can kick some ass at the end of this book, so that was one big plus for her. I can totally see them as the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss, #1); Author: Stephanie Perkins; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Such a cute story, very heartwarming. I enjoyed reading it and overall liked it a lot. It was nice to follow all that high school drama (especially towards the end) and that warm feeling of a silly crush developing in something deeper troughout events and conversations. Anna and Etienne were so cute together and I loved the fact that they talked about pretty much everything. Some of their friends were pretty interesting too. Actually, I liked the whole group, even the ''bad guys''. On the other hand, some parts really bothered me. Those were pretty much all the parts where Anna behaved like stereotypical American with her stereotypical attitudes towards Europe. And I hate stereotypes and generalizations, I don't care if they come from America, China, UK or my own house. Being ignorant and narrow-minded is just not OK. She's actually a very likeable character, but it's hard for me to get over her... for example, her complete shock when she realized there are a lot of cinemas in Paris. Really? Or her surprise when she saw people wearing sneakers in France. What is that? I would like the book even more if she was just a little bit more original on that part and if Anna behaved like a normal girl instead of a stereotype. I mean, you can't be that smart if you actually think that in Paris women wear only stilettos and eat croissants and drink wine and what not! Luckily, those were just minor parts of the book. And Etienne was smart enough to ''correct'' those ignorant attitudes of hers, make them a little less annoying and make her more aware of reality. Other than that, it was a decent read, perfect for a lazy night by the fire while it's raining outside. It made me feel warm an ''girly'' and I always appreciate a nice reminder of those crazy but sweet days of high school.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful, #1); Author: Jamie McGuire; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: *** Contains some spoilers,don't read if you are just starting Beautiful Disaster*** Beautiful Disaster started so good - we have a bad boy, a smart, quiet girl, tension between them and a great setting for some hot romance. Wow! I was hooked after page one. Then I got to the middle and I felt like screaming! Everything just fell apart. Nooooooo!!! After that, it became worse and worse. The second half of the book was just wrong in so many ways that the whole thing made me angry. The bad boy changed so much it made me want to slap him every time he said he loved her - and that was pretty much what he said every time he opened his mouth. It was ridiculous! He was this troubled but cool guy when he met Abby and after hanging out with her for a while he became obsessed, violent stalker, which is not cool/sexy at all. Also: "I don't get scared very often," he said finally. "I was scared the first morning I woke up and you weren't here. I was scared when you left me after Vegas. I was SCARED when I thought I was going to have to tell my dad that Trent had died in that building. But when I saw you across the flames in that basement...I was TERRIFIED. I made it to the door, was a few feet from the exit, and I couldn't leave." Something here just sounds wrong to me. It's not a big deal, but it does bother me. I just can't imagine someone feeling only scared about a family member death and terrified about possible danger of the same for the girlfriend/boyfriend. I mean, you love them both, so can you really put one before the other? That probably wasn't the intention of this part (he was just trying to show his love for her, I know), but it came out wrong and I don't like it. It's just another proof that he is nothing but an obsessed jerk. Abby seemed smart and interesting in the first half, but then she changed as well. She became one of the most annoying characters I have ever read about. She just jumped from being a normal girl to this self-centered, stupid person that all of the sudden every guy wants. Oh, give me a break! She played with both Travis and Parker and they weren't even mad at her (not for real at least) because she is just oh-so-fu..ing-beautiful-and-awesome that both of them wanted to be friends with her after she hooked up and turned her back to both of them for I don't know how many times. She was ok with Travis punching and kicking people just because they dared to talk to ''love of his life'', with him destroying the apartment and yelling at their friends because of her. He made her change her clothes just because it was too sexy for him and she didn't even blink. Even her tatto didn't say ''Travis'' but ''Mrs. Maddox'', just to make sure everyone; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ja nisam serijski ubojica; Author: Dan Wells; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Well, this book took me by surprise. It is nothing I expected it to be and this is probably the best compliment a person can give to a book - it is original, different, interesting and really hard to put down. There was one element I didn't know how I feel about at first and I had a WTF reaction to it. I don't want to spoil it, so I'll just say that the ''nature'' of the killer surprised me. I did not expect that at all and I just couldn't decide what to think about that (but then I just kept reading and the story got better with every sentence). The main character is not someone I'd like to know in person, but that only made the story even better - it was a great oportunity to take a peak and learn something about the inside monsters of someone so different and unusual as John. Reading about serial killers John wrote papers about was also interesting becouse I never knew much about them. The lack of feelings in 'hero' of the story and their existance in the villain amazed me. They made the killer so much more real and alive no matter what he is, and on the other side, the lack of them made John so much more interesting. It gave me a lot to think about. Other great parts of this book are the title (how can someone resist and not buy a book named ''I am not a serial killer''???) and the writing - it's good and direct, every scene brought something new to the story and I really like that. Because of that I know I will read all books by Dan Wells and I hope that translations to my native language will be out soon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Host (The Host, #1); Author: Stephenie Meyer; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book is simply beautiful! The Host is a story about everything that makes us alive, about all good, bad, easy and difficult choices that make us who we are. It's a story about love, hate, bravery, fear, kindness, guilt, friendship, remorse, family, loss, loyalty... In short, this is a story about being human. Before reading this, I was not a big fan of S. Meyer. After Twilight I seriously doubted that she can write something that I would consider good. I picked up The Host only out of curiosity because people I appreciate made some very interesting (positive) comments about it. To be honest, I expected very little and I just wanted to check out what are they talking about. And I was truly surprised and amazed. Meyer's writing is so much better and this story is so much deeper than Twilight. I loved all the characters, especially Ian and Wanderer. They are too good, too kind and too sweet, and I usually dislike the ''perfect'' characters, but I just couldn't help myself this time. I loved both of them. Actually, I loved everything about The Host. The start is a bit slow, but it doesn't matter because the rest of the book is good enough to make up for it. Giving a second chance to a writer sometimes is the best possible choice. I really enjoyed reading this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend; Author: Kody Keplinger; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Such a charming (and HOT!!!) book, perfect for lazy afternoons when you want to drift away and remember all those intense moments of teenage love. The Duff is a quck and very entertaining read, it's hard to put down. Both Bianca and Wesley are very likable and funny, the way they connected is great and their hookups are really sexy. It was so cute to see Bianca trying to be reasonable and not get caught in teenage boy drama. I'm so glad she failed. Her enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley is very intense and I enjoyed every moment of it. Wesley is just irresistable with his cocky smiles and confidence, a perfect match for our confused ''Duffy''. I really like how Keplinger approached to the whole Duff thing because I think that every girl felt like a Duff at one point or another. Everyone has problems and insecurities and we all make mistakes. It happens and just like the characters from the book realised in the end - it's not the worst thing in the world, it's normal and everyone should accept it and even joke about it with friends from time to time:); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Derviš i smrt; Author: Mesa Selimovic; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: There's only one word I can use for this book - MASTERPIECE!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sto godina samoće; Author: Gabriel Garcia Marquez; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Unusual, challenging, crazy, hard to follow... but altogether wonderful. One of a kind.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1); Author: E.L. James; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I can't believe I actually bought this book. I gave up pretty nice shirt just to buy this and I now want to pull my hair out and scream! A friend of mine told me it's great and brilliant and blah blah blah and I read so many good reviews and ... Oh, IDK, I guess I hoped to read something different from what I usually read and have fun exploring all that BDSM stuff. I'm not into it, but I was curious to see what's all the fuss about. All I want to do now is permanently erase this sh.. from my memory. I really have to stop reading books that have something to do with Twilight - this was my third ''everyone loves it, so maybe it'll be good'' time and now I am officially done. I'ts just not for me. Period. OK, Fifty Shades of Grey: Writing is horrible. I have a copy in Croatian and after only few pages I had to stop and find a sample in English just to make sure that I'm reading the same thing as everyone else. Sadly, it's equally bad in English as it is in Croatian. Awkward sentences, tons of cliches, clumsy descriptions, poor dialogues... it goes on and on. Maybe I'm too old fashioned, but I think that a bestselling writer should actually have talent and know at least some basics about writing. Silly me! Turns out - all you have to do is sit and copy type whatever piece of sh.. you want and a bestseller just jumps out of your monitor/notebook/whatever. I am no expert, I'm just a reader who enjoys all kinds of books and maybe I'm not the one to judge, but come on... This is just not OK. The story is dumb. With other (stronger, smarter) characters it could be interesting, but with Ana and Christian, it's just not working. Before reading, I thought that my biggest problem with this book will be sex, because BDSM is complitely unfamiliar to me. I was wrong. I am not shocked/disgusted with their sexual preferences or their lifestyle (although some scenes were too much - tampon!?!). What I find very, very wrong in Fifty Shades of Grey are WRITING and character development. That ruined every chance for me to like it. Ana is annoying as hell. Seriously, she is now number one on my black list, right next to Julia Mitchell from Gabriel's Inferno. I never liked Bella Swan either, but now - after reading this - she looks pretty good to me. This girl Anastasia is so stupid that I felt sorry for her in some chapters - there, there girl, it's not your fault, someone else made you like this - but mostly, I just wanted to slap her. I still want to slap her. Her thoughts were ridiculous, she blushes all the time, acts like an idiot and has no character. Oh, and she has a goddess hidden somewhere in her and she allways does some crazy stuff, like jumping, yelling, dancing, lying on a; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Gospodin Monstrum (John Cleaver, #2); Author: Dan Wells; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This was a quick and good read, I liked it even better than the first part. Mr. Monster goes deeper in John's mind and we get to see more of his disturbing, but very, very interesting personality. He is a scary, dangerous person, but he is trying to be ''normal'' and live by the rules that keep him from crossing the thin line between good and evil. Everything about him is creepy, even his dreams are dark and morbid, but he struggles to do the right thing every day and that makes him one of the most interesting characters - it is impossible to love him or hate him, but it's hard to stop reading because you want to know what happens to him and what is his next move. The killer is also very complex and I liked his description. I was horrified by everything he did. One of the most disturbing scenes in the book was the one with ''eyes in the wall'', it made my hair go up. All in all, Mr. Monster is a good read. The setting is good, characters complex, plot is interesting and I couldn't put it down from first to last sentence. It has a few minor flaws and one scene (cat!) I really hated, so for that it's minus one star in my rating.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kleopatrina kći; Author: Michelle Moran; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I enjoyed reading Cleopatra's Daughter very much. Ancient Rome is allways interesting subject to read about. Some parts of the book were great. I liked all descriptions of Rome and Roman holidays. Other than very exciting ending, the most interesting parts of Cleopatra's Daughter were trials, they really made me think about the way they treated slaves. The scenes with slaves were the most touching ones - the pool with Eels and the older slave, and both trials. Selena's story is very interesting. Her life complitely changed one day, she was taken away from her home and she was forced to start a new life in the world very different from the one she knew. I liked the way Moran described both Rome and Egipt while comparing them through Selena's eyes. Characters were nicely developed and the plot was interesting (nice touch with the Red Eagle storyline). However, I feel that something is missing. Selena is great, but she sounds too old for her age, especially in first 2/3 of the book. Ok, she was raised that way and she spent most of her time listening to older people, studying and discussing the architecture, but I wish there was at least SOMETHING childish about her. She was just too serious. She probably had to be, but I wish that at least some of her behaviour was more propper to her age. I constantly had to remind myself that she is just 12 and still just a girl, because the way she told her story sounded like she was much older than that. The ending just came too soon. It was no big surprise because somewhere in the middle of the story I guessed the identity of Red Eagle and future connection between him and Selena, but I would still like to read more about it. I feel that it would me much, much better if Moran gave more attention to that part of Selena's life (and not just Selena's - lives of other characters described in epilogue sound much more interesting than the part we get to read about). I wanted to scream because I wanted more, I wasn't ready for the ending so soon. I still can't decide how to rate this book. Some parts were wonderful, but the lack of even more wonderful parts makes me feel like I didn't get the full satisfaction of reading. Ok... 4 for now.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zovem se sjećanje; Author: Ann Brashares; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Very interesting and well written book. When I first saw the blurb, I was not interested in reading the whole thing (reincarnation, Daniel, Lucy... it reminded me of another book I did not like so much), but then my friend said some good things about it and I decided to give it a try anyway. I was pleasantly surprised. Characters are nicely developed and likable. Daniel is really great. He talks about love so much and still sounds like a man, he is not pathetic or too dramatic like many other male characters these days. I enjoyed reading about all of his memories and wouldn't mind to read more. Lucy is also great and very interesting. I could understand her confusion and I was chearing for her to learn the truth. They have a perfect chemistry together and their love story is one of the best I had a privilege to read about. In short: the story is lovely, characters are likable and interesting, the writing is more than good and I am looking forward to read the next book by Ann Brashares.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno, #1); Author: Sylvain Reynard; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Once again, I dislike the book everyone else obviously loves. First of all (and I NEVER thought I'd say this about a book) - it is too long. It would be fine if it had action-driven plot, but for a story like this I think that reducing the number of pages would be a significant improvement. This way, I had a feeling that I was reading the same thing over and over again - every encounter between Gabriel and Julia looked almost exactly the same like the previous one. It just dragged on and on and I was seriously worried that I will have to break my own rule of finnishing every book I start and put this one aside. I didn't, but even if I did, it wouldn't make any difference because the second half was even worse than first. Second, it was waaay too predictable. I usually don't mind that, but this was just too much. There wasn't a single moment of surprise and at some point it just came down to waiting to happen something that I already knew is going to happen. It became boring. Third - I hated Julia. She's just too ''perfect''. That amount of perfection just doesn't work for me, it made her dull and annoying and I was irritated by her from the beginning . There are two different personalities in her and for a while I hoped that she was just acting in some situations. Unfortunately, she wasn't. So, one side of her is a (virgin) pocket Venus, too sexy and beautiful for her own good. Even the way she eats is so sensual that noone - men, women, boys, professors, students - you name it - is able to resist that amount of beauty and sexiness. On the other hand, she is pure, naive, caring, nice, shy and innocent (this one was repeated so many times it made me nausious). So, we have a pure, innocent virgin who is sensual and sexy beyond reason. I'm not saying it isn't possible, I'm saying that in this story it wasn't presented in a way that would make her interesting (or credible). And she is just too damn sensitive and fragile for my taste. Instead of unique, interesting and exciting girl, she just seemed boring, at least to me. I didn't care for her one bit. Fourth - I had a hard time liking Gabriel. I tried, I really have, but still failed. I am a big fan of bad, disturbed and dark characters and I expected to fall for Gabriel at instant, but it didn't happen. Instead of being dark, all he did was talk about how he's dark. Some parts of his past fit in that description, because what happened to him and what he did to others made him edgy and dark, BUT... With Julia he was just too corny. He was too gentle, too sweet, too careful to say and do the right thing at every moment. He didn't want to hurt her so much that he was afraid to tell; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hate List; Author: Jennifer Brown; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Very powerfull! This is a story about Valerie Leftman, a girl who started the Hate list. It was a list of people who bullied her and her boyfriend Nick, people they hated. For Valerie, it was just a way to cope with everything that went wrong in her life. For Nick, it was much, much more. He used their list to pick targets when he opened fire on school cafeteria. He killed some of their classmates whose names were on the list and a teacher who tried to protect everyone. Valerie was shocked just like everyone else that day, so she did everything she could to stop him. But, it was too late for Nick, there was no going back after he started shooting. One of his targets was Jessica Campbell, but when the bullet meant for her ended up in Valerie's leg, he shot himself. People died. Nick died. Valerie survived. That's the beginning of her story. Now she has to go back to school and go on with her life. Some people blame her for everything. Some people are grateful because she was the one who stopped Nick and saved Jessica's life. Haunted by memories of sweet Nick from the past and Nick the shooter, she is trying to recover from everything that happened. Day by day, she is trying to move on, to forgive herself and to get other people to forgive her for making the list. Some people from school won't even talk to her. Some are trying hard to become friends with her. Everything is just too hard and confusing for Valerie. Her family is changed forever. Everyone she knows is somehow affected by the shooting, her friends, family, her enemies... but she is the one with the heaviest burden on her sholders. While reading Hate list, I had a strange feeling that Valerie is someone I know and that she is trying her best to tell me her tragic story. It raised many questions in my head. Is it even possible to recover from something like that? Can you still love the person who did such a horrible thing? Is it ok to miss him even after he destroyed everything? Were there signs that she should have recognized before he took a gun and killed people? Can she ever really forgive herself for making the Hate list?... This story seems so real it's scary. There are no big surprises in it, since pretty much everything is revealed in the blurb, but it's still interesting to read. Hard and disturbing, but very interesting. Valerie is one of the characters I will remember for a long time. All in all, great book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Storyteller; Author: Antonia Michaelis; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Breathtaking! The Storyteller broke my heart. After the last sentence I just sat on my bed, unable to move. There is something about this book, something brutal and beautiful at the same time, something that makes me feel like I saw the world with new eyes for one moment. I have to say that writing is amazing. I can't even express my admiration for the style and this unique art of putting words in such a beautiful sentences. What a talent!!! I read English translation and it was amazing, so I can only imagine how good the original is. I don't even know what part of this remarkable story moved me the most. Was it first really cold day of winter, a blue day? Was it a dream of summer day? Abel? Anna? It's hard to say. Abel went trough hell to give his little sister something that was taken away from him - a normal life. It was a battle worth fighting for, but the way he fought it... It was ugly. Desperate. Twisted. He decided to live in the world of eternal winter, just to give Micha a glimpse of spring. His final goal was beautiful, but his actions were terrifying. Everything about him was damaged, one way or the other. I loved him. Then he shocked me. He made me feel sorry for him, for the life he was forced to live. His decisions made me angry. The love he felt for his sister touched my heart. His fairy tale mesmerized me. Anna did the impossible. She loved him, even after... Oh, I can't even go there right now. Poor Anna. I have no words to express what this book did to me, it's almost unbearable. The way Antonia Michaelis told this story is magical. Her writing amazed me, it is poetic and unique. She took the broken parts of Abel's and Anna's world and put them together in this truly beautiful piece of art. The Storyteller will stay with me for a long, long time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Living Dead Girl; Author: Elizabeth Scott; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: What the...!?! I am freaking out! This is one of the most disturbing, brutal, horrifying books I have ever read. It should come with a big red warning written all over it! I was fighting it all day. I read a few pages early in the morning and I put it aside because I didn't want to start my day with an ugly story like this. Then I just couldn't stop thinking about it and I opened it again and read some more. Closed it. Read more. Then it was too much to handle because of all truly sick and terrifying images it left me with, so I put it on the table and went out. But the damn thing just stayed on my mind, so there was no choice but to finnish it as soon as I got back. This book is good and horrible at the same time. It makes me think about sick fu..s who live among us and who are capable to do something so disgusting and hurt a child like that. They are the real monsters. I don't have a child, but this story scared the hell out of me and I can only imagine how parents feel when they read something like this. It's very realistic and the sad truth is that things like this really happen around us. I can't even say if I liked Living Dead Girl or not. It is one really ugly story, but it is well written, very realistic. It was bad, but it made me think a lot and feel so much, so it was also good in some strange way. Oh, I don't know. I guess that every book that can make me feel so much and stay in my head every minute of the day is a good book, but somehow I feel like it's wrong to say it's good because of all horrible, horrible things that happened in it. All I need now is something light and different from this, just to stop thinking about poor ''Alice'' and her destiny. I am going to do just that because right now I can't handle thinking about it anymore.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sraz kraljeva (Pjesma leda i vatre, #2); Author: George R.R. Martin; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: What a ride! So many characters and such a great storyline! Kings are fighting for the Iron Throne and all bets are off, so you can never be sure of who will survive and who will die until you read the last page. A Clash of Kings is full of surprises and with every new sentence the excitement keeps growing and growing. This part of the series is a rollercoaster of battle for the Seven Kingdoms, heroes and cowards, survival and death, friendship and betrayal, blood and magic, civilisation and wilderness. I love the characters, all of them (well, almost all of them :) George R. R. Martin did an excellent job in developing each one and what I love the most is that there is no firm line between bad and good. Everyone is fighting for their own and it's hard to just love or just hate someone because they are all dedicated to their own agenda. Somehow, they are all right and wrong at the same time. Some of my favorite characters are fighting on different sides and I can't help but cheer for them when it's their turn to tell the story and hope they will fail when someone else is telling it. In my opinion, A Song of Ice and Fire is one of the best series out there, because everything can happen and everyone can win or lose, live or die. It is interesting and exciting and very, very hard to put down. Now I'm gonna watch the show and hopefully enjoy A Clash of Kings on TV. I hope the second season of the show is good as the first one was and that there are no (too much) changes because it is perfect just the way it is.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oluja mačeva (Pjesma leda i vatre #3); Author: George R.R. Martin; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: YES!!! A Storm of Swords was sooo good! Everyone's all over the place - the Starks, the Lannisters, Daenerys, Jon Snow, Stannis Baratheon, Mance Ryder... I can't even decide which storyline was the most interesting to follow. Some things were expected, but others were so shocking I had my mouth wide open half the time. G.R.R.Martin outdid himself with this one and I got everything I needed to truly enjoy reading this book. I must say there was a lot of yelling, swearing, holding breath, shouting ''yes'' and ''finally'', but that only made the experience so much better. Some characters died and while it was sad for a couple of them, others finally got what they deserved. (My favorites are still alive, but each of them went through hell to survive.) Chapters with Jaime were really good. He finally showed that he has more than one dimension and it was great to follow his adventures and see him grow as a person. I liked him with Brianne. Their complex relationship was so much fun, she really brought that barely existing good side of him on the surface and made him more human. The Hound was another nice touch. He got more ''space'' in this part too and I am surprised by how much I liked him. Some situations were resolved in the most unexpected ways and the action was incredible. I thought that it can't get better after the Blackwater, but some parts of A Storm of Swords were even more exciting. Many questions were answered and secrets revealed, but twice as much were raised. Now I can't wait to see what happens next! 5 big shiny stars from me!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millennium, #2); Author: Stieg Larsson; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: Brilliant! The second book in The Millennium Trilogy is even better than the first one. It is violent, complex, gripping, full of details, very sharp and direct. One moment it feels like a complete mess, like you have no idea who is who and wtf is going on (murders, that Zala guy, trafficking, police, three investigations...), but in the next everything makes perfect sense and it's all connected in a smooth and clever way - you really have to admire Larsson and his writing. Now I understand all the hype about this trilogy. It is really that good and it's sad that Larsson didn't have a chance to write more books about Salander and Blomkvist. I can't wait to put my hands on the next - and last :( - book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Night Circus; Author: Erin Morgenstern; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: The Night Circus is one of those books that take you away from reality and make you feel like you took a wonderful vacation somewhere far away, some place where the world and yourself are complitely different. With every sentence it takes you on a magic journey and you forget everything you know, you just open your eyes and ears and you let yourself go. Then comes the magic. Descriptions are so vivid and beautiful, I swear I saw, smelled and felt every part of the Circus just like it is right in front of me. The Ice Garden took my breath away! Those short chapters when the writer speaks directly to the readers are probably the best parts of the book, I felt like I have a new unique and interesting friend in my life and that was really rich experience. The plot is slow paced, but it doesn't mean that it's not interesting. Love story is very sweet and it reminded me of beauty and innocence of first true love. The competition lasts very long, but that is what brought all the magic in the story. I liked all characters, especially Poppet and Widget. Their birth gave new dimension to the Circus and I just loved both of them. The whole book is pretty great and I am sure I will read it again in the future. Everyone sometimes needs to get away and experience something new, different, beautiful and magical and that is exactly what this book is about. 5 stars!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Koliba; Author: William Paul Young; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I really wanted to like it. I think the idea is great and worth thinking about. Better writer could probably do wonders with it and write a good, deep and meaningfull novel around it. Unfortunately, it was not the case here. In fact, the only thing that is good about The Shack is the idea for the story. Everything else is definitely not worth the hype. First of all, the writing is awful. Maybe I should blame translation for it because I read it in Croatian, but somehow I have a feeling that translator didn't have a good material to work with in the first place, so the original writing is probably as bad as the translation. I realise that writing is not what makes this book so good for those who like it and that the story itself is the important part, so I tried to ignore my annoyance with writing and I forced myself to keep reading. Now that I've finnished it and know what it's all about, I still can't ignore it. It is BAD! As I said before, I think the idea is great. I can only imagine what a good writer could have done with it and because of that I feel sorry for The Shack. So much potential and so many good ways to make an unforgetable novel of it, and instead of that we get this pale shadow of someting what could have been one of the greatest books out there. Some people find it shocking. All I can see is the atempt to be shocking. Descriptions of God, Jesus and Holy Spirit were horrible. I mean, seriously? I don't have a problem with describing God in different ways, after all I really liked God in movie Dogma and it was also very, very different from the ''old white man with white beard'' picture we are so used to. I don't know why, but I had so much trouble accepting the looks and BEHAVIOUR of all three ''forms'' of God, and I must say that all that cooking and baking and washing dishes and cleaning table didn't help at all. Not to mention a Jew with a big nose, Irish alcoholic, big black woman cooking and baking all the time, little Asian woman in harmony with nature, Hispanic judge and people from camp so friendly, chearfull and understanding. Come on! Mack was a weak character. He had no voice and no color in his personality at all. I know he was described in the beginning, but I lost that picture by the time I got to the middle of the book. He just wasn't strong enough to carry the story. He was sad, then angry, then full of questions, then releaved in the end, but I couldn't really ''see'' him enough to connect with him the way I usually connect with oher fictional characters. The conversations with God were supposed to be deep and insightful, but I didn't get much from them. No explanations. No new perspectives. No comfort. Nothing. I know the writer tried; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Gozba vrana (Pjesma leda i vatre #4); Author: George R.R. Martin; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: A Feast of Crows was not as exciting as the last part of series, but I still liked it. Jaime Lannister is now one of my favorite characters and it was nice to follow him through his chapters. Sansa Stark is finally growing up and her chapters were pretty interesting (although she is still just a toy for bigger players in the Game). That silly, annoying girl from book one is gone. She suffered a lot and had to walk strange paths, but finally we can se her as a true Stark. Arya Stark ended up in a weird place, but I love to read about her, so I was happy to see her as a part of this book. Brienne is another brigh spot of A Feast for Crows. You go girl! I still hate Cersei, but her chapters were pretty interesting.It was nice to see her loosing power over Jaime and making some bad choices. The only part that was not so interesting were chapters about Iron Islands, for some reason I don't like them at all. Another thing I didn't like was the part with Catelyn - I never liked her in the first place (I have no idea why), but now I like her even less. It is obvious that we will see her again and I'm not too excited about that. I though about giving this book 4 stars, but I can't - it is still really good, even without some of my favorite characters, and I enjoyed most chapters, so it deserves every one of 5 bright stars.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ples Zmajeva, 1. dio (Pjesma Leda i Vatre, #5); Author: George R.R. Martin; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Tyrion, Jon, Daenerys, Davos... They're back!!! Yes! It is soo good to know where they ended up after A Storm of Swords. I missed Jaime, but I didn't have much time to think about that because of so many new events. I mean, ''Griff'' and his son? Oh, that was so interesting! That changes everything and I can't wait to see what happens next. This part of series was very intense, which made it almost impossible to put down. Even when I had to take a break from reading, A Dance with Dragons was in my head. Now I am sorry that there's just one more book (A Dance with Dragons part 2) to read, and then... well, nothing. We wait. Huh. George R. R. Martin - please hurry and write. Write! 5 stars for this part, it was even better than I expected.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ples Zmajeva, 2. dio (Pjesma Leda i Vatre, #5); Author: George R.R. Martin; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: This part is great, just as I thought it would be. I don't have a single bad thing to say about it. Dragons are finally all over the place, the Wall is more exciting than ever (Oh, Jon Snow!!!), things in Winterfell are complitely crazy, everyone is fighting everyone in Seven Kingdoms... I can only imagine how good The Winds of Winter will be! Now we have to wait. That's just cruel! Martin left us with a cliffhanger(s) like this, and now... nothing :(; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Idiot; Author: Fyodor Dostoyevsky; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Brilliant! Prince Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin comes back to Russia, or to be more exact, to St. Petersburg after spending four years in Swiss sanatorium. He hardly knows anyone from his country and he has only one distant relation to Lizaveta Prokofyevna Yepanchin, so he decides to make acquaintance of her and her family. On the train journey to Russia he meets Parfyon Semyonovich Rogozhin, a man who tells him about Nastassya Filippovna, femme fatale of St. Petersburg. Prince Myshkin is very interested in the subject from the start. He talks to Rogozhin untill they arrive to the station and it is pretty clear from the start that Nastassya Filippovna will be the reason for drama that obviously awaits the young Prince. It's hard to summarize what comes after that. All I can say that Prince Myshkin took me to a strange journey through St. Petersburg, as well as Pavlofsk and it's many peculiar residents. It was a real pleasure to meet him and the others (especially Lizaveta Prokofyevna) and to be the witness of their dramatic relationships and actions. I am still not sure if I liked the Prince or not. At first I felt strongly for him because of his goodness, but as the story went on, I wasn't sure anymore... Lets just say that now I realise where the title came from. Prince was a disaster waiting to happen from the start. I mean, it is obvious that someone so innocent, good and naive can't find their place in the world obsessed with money and power. F. M. Dostoyevsky is truly the Master of characterization. I am still amazed by his talent to show deepest corners of every single character - it doesn't matter if it's the main character or just one of those who show up in only few chapters. Some of them are easy to like, others are just people with both good and bad sides, and some of them are the worst examples of those characteristics that most of us despise. Either way, they are all interesting to read about. After reading three books by Dostoyevsky, I can honestly say that his characters have a certain ''vibe'' that makes them both interesting and unforgettable, and that he truly is one of the best writers ever. He goes deep and reveales many different types of human behaviour, which is amazing. Every spoken word, every thought, every action is significant not only for knowing what's going on, but for realising why is everything the way it is. It brought me closer to better understanding every character and their actions, but also it made me think about my own attitude toward some aspects of life that Dostoyevsky brought up in this brilliant novel. The atmosphere surrounding this book is hard to describe in just a few sentences, but it leaves very, very strong impression. Writing is amazing. I had to take a lot of breaks from reading because it was very detailed. There are so many thoughts and events on every page and I had to let them sink in; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Charade (Games, #1); Author: Nyrae Dawn; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: This was my first Nyrae Dawn book, but it sure won't be the last. After Charade, I definitely want to read all her books. Charade is not a new story. Two people pretending to be together and becoming really involved is not anything new, but the way this story developed from first to last chapter is refreshing. I have heard/read similar stories before, but this one just has that ''something'' which makes it different from others. Nothing in it was too much and there were no WOW/OMG/whatever moments for me, but it all came out right and things developed naturally. Everything felt right in this story, from first to last page. For me, this book delivered what Beautiful Disaster and Easy (to some piont) failed. Finally I can say that I found a YA romance of my taste. I was charmed from the beginning. Writing is good and the plot is interestng. Cheyenne and Colt meet, don't really like each other at first but decide to pretend to be together for appearance and finally realise that what's going on between them is much more than just a game. But that's not all. There is a real life story in and behind this charming romance between them. Both have big problems and it's clear from the start that they actually need each other to make things less frightening. Cheyenne is haunted by her past and suffers the consequences every day. Colt has to see his mother dying slowly of cancer. That's really horrible. Pretending to be a couple to make her ex boyfriend jelous becomes something entirely else. Suddenly, Charade is not about him at all, but about Cheyenne and Colt. They need it to forget about problems and to find comfort in their time together. They can't erase reality, but they try their best to make it less horrible. Playful, sexy moments between them were simply wonderful. I like how they're allways honest with each other. Yes, they play Charade, but somehow they manage to allways tell the truth about how they feel. Pretending, hiding things, lying - nothing of it lasts long. Every time one of them snaps and tells the truth. The game becomes real. Honest. Because of that, their story is warm and sweet, inspite all bad things that happened or (oh, Colt) are happening to them. Their story is also hot. Chemistry between Cheyene and Colt is great, and most of their scenes are sexy. Tension between them is strong and it makes everything really interesting and hot. Female characters in this kind of literature usually annoy me because they are one dimensional and... let's just say not-so-smart in most cases. I am happy to say that Cheyenne is not one of them. I really like her. She tries to be strong all the time, keeps secrets about her problems from everyone, tries to leave impression of perfect life and hides tears from others. There is a big difference between her and other similar heroines, and that is - she really tries. Her behaviour is not just a; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Feral Sins (The Phoenix Pack, #1); Author: Suzanne Wright; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I really don't know what to think here. I tried to let it sink in for a day or two and forget that scene, but no - it's still the first thing on my mind when I think about Feral Sins. I have to confess that my expectations were pretty high for this book. So many great reviews made me think that this one is something else. And I did like it very much at first. It was intense, hot and full of sarcastic remarks that I enjoyed very much, but as the story went on, I found myself not really caring for characters as much. Trey was sooo hot at first, but after so many ''Your p... belongs to me'', ''I need my c... inside of you'', ''I am going to f... you now'' he became a little too predictable. All that dirty talk was fun at first, but after so much of it, all the excitement sinked down. Was it really necessary for him to repeat that he is about to f... her every single time they were alone? At one point I was like ''Oh for fu.. sake, just shut up and do it!'' I gues repeating it so much made me tired of it and by the end it wasn't fun anymore. Sex scenes in the first half of the book were hot and steamy, but later on, I did not enjoy them as much. Same goes for Taryn. At first she was a kickass character, but her ''fights'' with the Grandmother and that ''hot little body of hers'' became very close to one-dimensional and boring. Not exactly boring, but close enough. That gangbang scene was just too much. It doesn't fit in the story and it ruined the whole thing for me. I tried to pretend it never happened, but it's impossible. I mean, come on! Trey is obviously falling for someone for the first time, and he is so overprotective and posessive, ready to fight anyone who even looks at Taryn the wrong way. She (and all her body parts) belongs to him, she is his true mate, his human falls for her just as his wolf did and so on and so on... Ok, that part was good. BUT... That same posessive guy suddenly decides to share her with his pack? WTF! Where the hell did that came from? He loves her and is about to start a family with her, and it's ok for him to know that all of his friends had their c... in her mouth? Even worse, he told her to take them as he watched and he enjoyed it very, very much. This was just too much for me. I expected romance and lots of hot sex, but this was taking it too far. Wrong. Just... wrong. It could have been really good and enjoyable read, but with that orgy, it was just awkward. 2 stars for decent writing and interesting characters in the first half. The rest of it is better not to think about.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Wallbanger (Cocktail, #1); Author: Alice Clayton; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Love, love, looove this book!!! It is funny, sweet, romantic, sexy... Actually, it is everything a girl needs to spend a great evening at home. So let's see... The story is wonderfull. There are only few romantic stories that I find really great, and now this is one of them. Chemistry between Caroline and Simon is so powerfull and exciting, it made me feel... well, you know, butterflies and shit. Really. I was so into the story that I was a little crazy for both of them. Writing is good, charaters real and likeable and the whole package is nicely wrapped up with great, great humor. Oh, I laughed so much! I can't remember the last time a book made me laugh like this. It is hilarious! This author obviously knows what she's doing and I will definitely read other books by her. Caroline is now one of my favorite female characters. I think I developed a little bit of a girl crush here. She is funny, smart, interesting, she respects herself and she knows her way in the kitchen (and not only with food ;). Her ''finding O'' mission was hilarious. And let's not forget, she is the owner of the best cat ever. I love cats and I love people who love cats, so Clive was a huge plus to the story for me. He is adorable, just like Caroline. Simon... Oh, Simon! The Wallbanger is a guy who can make a woman meow and spank them to good kind of screamnig, who makes pictures fall off the wall with his hips and who can do some kind of voodoo magic with his blue eyes. He plays good music for his neighbour, helps her cook and he can talk about pretty much anything and make it interesting. He is the best possible help in the missing O situation. What I loved about both Caroline and Simon is that they are normal people with interesting lives (and nice jobs) and strong characters. They both have their weaknesses, but they are perfect the way they are. Not annoying-perfect, but real-life-perfect. Their whole story is hot and interesting and I loved every part of it. I liked their friends too. Usually I don't fall for ''let's swich'' stories, but this one was funny. I wouldn't mind reading more about them. I loved messages between them and their thoughts when they were driving back home from Tahoe. It was great! The Wallbanger is one of my favorite reads this year.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Train of Arousal; Author: James Lusarde; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Good idea, but that's about it. I read the blurb and loved the thought of seduction by words on a moving train. The idea sounded so good and it had me thinking this would be a sensual and original short story, so I was pretty excited to read it. To be honest, I expected to be awed. I wasn't. My first thought was - what the hell is this woman doing? She chose her ''victim'' so fast and she approached him without thinking twice. Not even a quick ''does he wear a ring'' check, not even a glimpse of ''he could be crazy/violent/dangerous/whatever'' thought, nothing. Nothing! She just looked at this complete stranger and decided he was good to go. I can't even tell if it's more juvenile or reckless or just plain stupid. I know it's just a story, and maybe if it was told in a different way it wouldn't be a big deal, but between all that purple prose and... nothing else really, I expected (at least) a believeable plot. Didn't get one. Moving on... My next thought - who does she think she is? I can't remember the last time I read such a horrible female character. ''Attention whore'' came to my mind first. I hated her. She was arrogant, shallow and I was annoyed by every thought in her head and every word that came out of her mouth. Just to be clear - I like confident and cocky characters, females and males, doesn't matter to me. Confidence is sexy and usually I am the first one to appreciate it. Not in this story, though. This was just too much. This woman acted like she was the most beautiful person on planet Earth, like Monica Belluci/Megan Fox/any other beautiful women had nothing on her. Too much confidence can be a negative thing sometimes, this story prooved it to me. The way she spoke was boring, she only opened her mouth to insert some words like ''aroused'', ''sex'', ''sensual'' an so on and so on in conversation. Other than those words, nothing she said made sense. She paused EVERY TIME before inserting those words and watched his reaction like a predator, feeling all ''I got you now, you poor man''! I could picture her looking at him and smiling because she said the word ''aroused'' and he reacted to it, I could see her luring him into her net with a promise of good sex, gloating over every spoken word and every look in her direction. I was annoyed by all of it. Next - what the f...? ***SPOILERS AHEAD*** The moment he started talking back, she changed the game. Oh, she still thought she was the sexiest thing alive, but she demanded ''soft'', ''nourished'', ''slow'', ''LOVING''(so many times it made me nausious) in exchange to her ''aroused'', ''sensual'' and ''sex''. So, she could speak directly about sex, but he was only allowed to adore her with words SHE found sensual (again!). He had to be LOVING, no matter that she was as stranger to him as he; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lice smrti (Smoky Barrett, #2); Author: Cody McFadyen; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Wow! This was both exciting and terrifying. I was hooked after first crime scene description - it was so well done that I was scared (which doesn't happen a lot to me when I read similar books). That's why I just couldn't put this one down. I really like Smoky. Her own tragedy makes her even better at what she does and I could actually feel her melancholy, her fear, her fight. Her relationship with Bonnie, (her adopted daughter who refuses to talk) is beautiful, full of love and empathy. They understand each other so well - it is a thin, but strong thread of hope for both of them. Smoky is so strong and smart, and what moved me the most about her - she keeps fighting. Every day. She fights everything and everyone and she survives. For herself. For Bonnie. And now for Sarah. Sarah has a story to tell. Her story is ugly, scary, almost unbelievable. But it's true. Ever since she was six, Stranger keeps showing up in her life and destroys everyone she ever loved. He killed her parents and their family dog, he killed people who wanted to adopt her, he killed every person in her life she ever loved. The trouble is, no one believes her. Until Smoky. Sarah gives her diary which contains her tragic life, and what is written inside makes Smoky and her team desperate to catch Stranger and keep him out of Sarah's life forever. Stranger truly is The Face of Death. He is so cruel and violent that it's scary to read about him, but at the same time, it's hard to stop. All of his actions were pure horror. His own story was a horror, but what he did to Sarah was indescribable. This is one of those books that are not easy to forget. Somehow, this was not just another serial killer story. Because of the way it's written, it seems real. Characters are well developed and each has his own story, which is pretty interesting. Investigation is more than interesting, and crimes are truly terrifying. In short, this is one really good crime/suspense/mystery/horror book. 5 stars from me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades, #2); Author: E.L. James; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I still don't understand why everyone's so crazy about this series. Usually, I am the one that ''defends'' books when I talk to people and I always say that it takes so much effort to write one and that every single book out there has its value. Even if I don't like some of them, I appreciate the effort of writers to tell their story and say what they wanted to say to the world. Now... Fifty Shades trilogy made me change my mind about that. There ARE bad books. There ARE ''authors'' who are really bad at writing. I thought that first part of series was horrible and I picked up this part just because someone I know tried to convince me that it gets better and that this story has a point. Now I'm sure that we will never understand each other when it comes to this, because I really, really hate it and I can't think of a single good thing to say about it. Seriously. I don't think I ever hated a book as much as I hate Fifty Shades. Writing is horrible. HORRIBLE! E. L. James did so bad that I was ashamed for reading this. Characters are poorly developed, dialogues are ridiculous and every other sentence is so corny that it hurt my eyes a little bit. I hated how she didn't want to say vagina or ass and used some lame replacements like ''down there'' or ''behind'' or whatever. Hello? You wrote BDSM story and I think that it would be more than ok to call things for what they are. I mean, really - it was ok for her to write a page about his finger going in and out her ass, but it was not ok to actually call it ass. Come on! Also, I was annoyed by how desperately she wanted to sound smart. With no reason at all, she just dropped some stuff in, like who's singing what or who painted what or stuff like that. Most of us knows those kind of things, so it doesn't make you any smarter or better, E. L. It just makes you a little pathetic for trying to show off with your ''knowledge''. What really bothered me in this book were descriptions of women and their reactions to Christian. Every time he showed up somewhere, they were all swoony and stupid around him. I understand that it happens sometimes with really sexy guys, but every time? Where are all those beautiful, strong and confident women of this world? What happened to ones that don't turn to idiots every time a good looking man asks them something? What about those who can get their shit together and stand their ground, or ones that are able to talk to hot guys without their brains turning to pudding? Where are they? Well, according to E. L. James, they don't exist. It's just sad. This whole story is a mess. They get back together only few days after the break up and everything is the same, minus that; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #2); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Second book of BDB series brings us story of Rhage and Mary. I liked Rhage in Dark Lover and I still like him after Lover Eternal, but in a different way. After reading Dark Lover I was left with the impression of Rhage as a true player, him being with so many women and having random sex all over the place. This book gave me a different perspective of him. I really fell for him when he explained how bad and empty he felt ever since Scribe Virgin cursed him with the beast. He lived with it inside of him for years and it made him hate himself. The beast was hungry all the time and only violence and anonymous sex could calm it for a while. Rhage looks great and he is the strongest Brother, so it was never hard for him to get both. He did what he had to do to calm the beast, but he felt bad about it for a long time. That gave him depth he needed to be a great character, which he really is. Mary annoyed me at first. She was too insecure and some of her comments made me really mad at her. She acted stupid on their first date and I disliked her very much at the beginning of Lover Eternal. Luckily, she came around. What made me like her was a simple fact that she's just a normal woman. (And how nice she was with John Matthew). Leukemia made life difficult for her, but she handled the whole situation pretty well. Of course, she was scared about what could happen to her, but I think that for the most part, she was really brave about it. Rhage was a big help there. The closer the two of them got, Mary became more fierce, it was like Rhage infected her with some of his power every time they met. Romantic part of their story was good. I am still not a big fan of moving from ''he looks good'' to ''I love him'' too fast, but it did not bother me too much with them. They just felt right for each other from the first moment (ok, from the first moment after that terrible date). I loved how she threw herself at him and admitted she was scared of leukemia and that she needed him. I loved his reaction even more. Chemistry between them was really great and sex was hot. The whole thing with the beast was sexy. The image of changed Rhage makes him even hotter, so that part of the story took them to a whole new level, in a good way. Tattoo was a nice touch too :) I still want to see more of Butch. I don't know why, but I fell for that guy at instant in Dark Lover and I can't wait to see him as the MC. I laughed so hard when he said he sat in the bushes outside Marissa's window. That was sooo sweet! Some new characters got my attention too. I; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #3); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: This one is the best! Z is definitely the most interestng Brother and every bit of his story is really emotional. I can't even explain how deep he got under my skin and how much I love him. Relationship between Z and Bella is one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read. They had so much going on and things were really complicated, but how they handled everything... Every single time they were together my heart skipped a little, it was so intense and wonderful! Bella is my favorite female character of the series and I can't stress enough how great she is for not giving up on Z, even after he tried to scare her away. That scene when she came to his room after he saved her from the lessers was simply beautiful. It made me love her even more. I can't write a normal review right now because I'm still so overwhelmed, so all I can say is that this book is really perfect. Every page of it! 5 big, shiny stars!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Žudnja (Fallen, #4); Author: Lauren Kate; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Finally over! What I really liked about this series: - CAM!!! <3 - Arriane - Roland - The way L. Kate described angels What I really hated: - LUCE (!!!) - Daniel - Their boring relationship - The fact that some questions were not answered in the end - Everything else - Where is Cam??? Cam is the only reason for second star in my rating.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Zagorje; Author: Ivana Simic Bodrozic; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Uzasni dogadaji 90-ih su nesto o cemu ne volim pricati ni misliti. Kada se ova knjiga pocela pojavljivati u medijima, cvrsto sam odlucila da je necu citati jer nas je taj nesretni rat vec sasvim dovoljno sve obiljezio i vise nikome ne treba podsjetnika na njega. Ipak, sto se vise pricalo o Hotelu Zagorje, to sam pronalazila neke slicnosti izmedu moga i Ivaninoga odrastanja i na kraju sam ipak popustila znatizelji i kupila knjigu. Moj hotel nije bio u Zagorju nego u Dalmaciji, ali to ne cini bas veliku razliku. U njegovim malim sobama se dogadalo isto sto i u svakom hotelu sa prognanicima i izbjeglicama i Ivana je zaista vjerno prenijela sliku zivota u sobiccima od nekoliko kvadrata i vjecite borbe za opstanak. Kao i sve ostalo vezano za to vrijeme, to mogu potpuno razumjeti samo oni koji su (nazalost) dozivjeli i iskreno, da nisam i ja na neki nacin prozivjela Ivaninu pricu, mislim da je ne bih mogla onako do kraja shvatiti. Ovako, u svakom sam trenutku mogla tocno osjetiti o cemu to ona zapravo prica. Cak se poklopio i put u Italiju, cijeli osjecaj boravka kod nepoznatih obitelji i nakon svega povratak ''kuci'' koja zapravo nije kuca. Nisam sigurna da mogu objektivno ocijeniti ovu knjigu jer se za vrijeme citanja mojih 6 godina stalno ispreplitalo sa Ivaninim. Ono sto mogu reci je da mi se jako svidjelo sto je autorica bila iskrena. Ni u jednom trenutku se nije trudila ostaviti dobar dojam o sebi, zapravo ima momenata u kojima iznosi svoje ne bas svijetle trenutke koji su na neki nacin samo potvrda te njene iskrenosti. Druga i najvaznija stvar koja mi se svidjela je to sto je jedna ovako tragicna prica ispricana glatko, bez suvisne patetike i cak sa nekom porukom o tome kako se zivot nezaustavljivo nastavlja. Poseban su mi biser bili opisi odjece i sminke koju nas je vecina nosila i kojima se danas mozemo samo nasmijati. Ivana se zaljubljuje, izlazi, upoznaje nove prijatelje i druzi se sa nekim starim, jednostavno receno odrasta. Sam kraj knjige djeluje kao pocetak neke nove price, pa tragedija ipak donekle ostaje u proslosti. Ima i stvari koje mi se nisu svidjele. Pojedinim likovima i dogadajima nije posvecena paznja koju po mom misljenju zasluzuju pa mi neki dijelovi djeluju nedoreceni, onako ukratko i ''kirurski'' napisani, kao da im fali malo emocije ili barem nekakvog objasnjenja. Vecina knjige je napisana bas tako, bez okolisanja i direktno, ali na nekim sam dijelovima jednostavno zeljela malo vise. Onih nekoliko stranica u kojima opisuje konacnu sudbinu svoga tate mi je bilo najteze za procitati. I na tom polju su nam price slicne, odnosno pocetak price. Neznanje, uzaludno raspitivanje, pokusaji da se dode do bilo koga tko zna bilo sto, pisanje pisama, pregledavanje svake nove liste nestalih, ranjenih, ubijenih, zarobljenih... Ne volim misliti o tome, ali mi je sve to itekako poznato. Srecom,u mom slucaju se na kraju ipak pojavila ona jedna lista sa tatinim imenom i vratio nam se, a i one sobe koje nisu nase smo davno ostavili za sobom pa moja prica ipak ima; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Paranormalno (Paranormalno, #1); Author: Kiersten White; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I just love stories like this - easy to read, interesting, funny, addictive, simply cute. I remeber the days when vampires were scary, dead creatures instead of some sparkly-oh-so-in-love-stalkers and I am so happy because Kiersten White remembers that too. She did such a good job describing them, it was really refreshing. Actually, I like every bit of paranormal world she created, not just vampires but werewolves, witches, faeries, mermaids, shape-shifters and all the others. Evie is a great heroine. She has a very positive personality (very funny girl) and she is not afraid to act when necessary. If she thinks that something needs to be done, she does it. There's no wasting time (and nerves) on too much thinking and messing everything up -only to correct it in the very end- with her. If she wants to see someone, she goes to him/her. If she wants to know something, she asks. If she wants to show Lend she's interested in him, she shows it. I like her, even with her pink obsession. Her flirting with Lend made me smile a lot, it was just perfect. They are so cute together, just as it should be with teenagers. He is very interesting character too, a perfect match for Evie. His paranormal side is very cool and I enjoyed reading about his transformations. My favorite scene is with two of them holding hands while watching a movie, it was so sweet. It's still hard for me to decide if I like Reth or not. He plays and manipulates, but he is incredibly charming while doing it. Very intriguing character, I hope to read more about him in the next book. The plot is easy to follow and interesting. Some things were predictable, but I didn't mind because the whole thing is nicely done, so Paranormalcy was really enjoyable read. I laughed a lot, the story is full of funny situations and conversations. This book was a pleasant surprise for me and I am looking forward to second book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Killing Sarai (In the Company of Killers, #1); Author: J.A. Redmerski; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: AMAZING!!! I loved every single page of ''Killing Sarai'' and I just couldn't stop reading from first to last page. My eyes hurt like hell now, but I have no regrets. There are so many reasons to love this book, and these are just some of mine: Female MC - Sarai - is great. She is smart, strong, beautiful and damaged (which makes her so much more interesting) and she is easy to like. Her life was taken away from her when she was only fourteen and she still found the strength to escape and fight for herself nine years after that. She took her chance and instead of being desperate and scared, she was brave and determined. I wanted her to succeed so much!!! She did not annoy me at all, not even once, and this is so rare for me with female characters. I rooted for her from the start and it was really easy to understand her and her actions. She made some strange choices, but with her past in mind, I think it was expected and natural for her and it's not hard to understand that. The path she decided to take after everything surprised me, but it also made me want to read more about her. And the way she pulled off the whole Isabel thing... incredible! I just can't help but love a book with female character as strong as Sarai. Victor... oh, Victor! Sexy and dangerous, a killer with discipline to stay calm even in the most threathening situations. He is what he is and what I loved about him is that he never tried to excuse himself for anything. He is a killer, he knows it and he makes sure everyone else knows it, including Sarai. His story is very complicated and even disturbing, but he is honest about it, he doesn't even try to make himself look better by explaining everything in big words. He stayes true to himself in every situation and I really, really respect him for that. Sure, he broke some rules for Sarai, but that made him even hotter (and this story so much more interesting). The action was incredible - fast and dangerous, with lots of twists. Guns, rifles, ropes, drugs, trafficking, dead bodies, killer missions... WOW! I couldn't stop reading. This is definitely not one of those books where you just wait for things to heat up between female and male protagonists. Sexy/romantic parts were great, but everything else was even more interesting. I enjoyed reading every single sentence, every part of it. First half of the book kept me glued to my seat and at that point Victor barely spoke to Sarai. That's what makes this book so great - it is not only about Sarai/Victor relationship, but about surviving, fighting, failing, winning, not loosing sanity in the most difficult and crazy situations, doing what needs to be done and dealing with consenquences... Again, WOW!!! The relationship part was just one more plus to everything else. It felt real. They did not rush into it like; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tvrđava; Author: Mesa Selimovic; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: This book is phenomenal! Beautiful writing, brilliant character development, interesting story, smooth combination of philosophy and everyday life - ''The Fortress'' is one of those books you need to keep close and read random parts of it when you feel the need to be inspired. This is life in 380 pages. Just amazing! I enjoyed every word of it and will definitely buy a copy very soon and read it again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #4); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Taking a break from the series after Lover Awakened was a smart move for me. Z and Bella are one of my all-time favorite couples and their story was too emotional and beautiful, so I needed some time to gather my thoughts and emotions between books 3 and 4. It took me a while to get back to BDB, but I'm glad I waited because it wasn't hard for me to get involved in Lover Revealed after the break (which probably wouldn't be the case if I read them one after the other). This way, I gave it my full attention and enjoyed it very, very much. I fell in love with Butch in Dark Lover. I don't know why, but as soon as he showed up he instantly became one of my favorite characters in BDB series. In fact, he stands shoulder to shoulder with Zsadist on my personal sexy-tortured-charming-lovable-men throne. Maybe it's the fact that he was an outsider in the vampire world, or that crazy vibe around him - I don't care, either way I love him. No need to say that Lover Revealed was a treat for me and that I enjoyed his story so, so much! I have to be honest, I agree with all those fans who were rooting for Butch-Vishous pairing. Those two have such a beautiful relationship and from the moment they met there was this special bond between them. I really wanted them together, but oh well... J. R. Ward obviously had other plans. Don't get me wrong, I liked Butch and Marissa together, but... Yeah, it's a shame to dismiss that powerful B/V chemistry. Other than that whole V thing, Butch and Marissa were great together. Ever since Butch confessed sitting in the bushes under her window in Lover Eternal, I knew they would end up together. Their whole story was lovely and I really liked how they handled everything. Their feelings were so obvious and strong from the very first time they met and I liked how sure they were about each other, against all complications with him being human and all that aristocracy stuff on her side. First sex scene was great. Well, not great, but it was realistic and well written. I liked that. Butch's abduction and everything that followed was pretty interesting. Omega finally made a big move and it was dark and dangerous and it changed a lot in BDB world. I loved that. It kept me guessing through the whole story about what will happen in the end. And the ending... Oh wow. Epic! I loved it so, so much. Maybe that's because Butch has a special place in my heart, but I think he deserves every bit of it. It's not over yet, I know, but for now, I am more than happy about his destiny. Yay! It was nice to see John Matthew again. His chapters were interesting and I am looking forward to finding more about him. This series is really great, one of my favorites. Lover revealed is a 5 star book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Captive in the Dark (The Dark Duet, #1); Author: C.J. Roberts; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Just what I was looking for - dark, twisted,intense story with broken characters, dangerous situations and story so intense it was impossible to put down. Now this is exactly what I expected -and never got- from Fifty Shades of Grey. Fortunately, this book delivered everything FSoG failed to. Captive in the Dark made me question my sanity and I loved it for that. I shouldn't feel so attached to Kitten and I shouldn't enjoy reading about all the things Caleb did to her in that dark room. It was wrong. Everything he did was so wrong. What she felt, what she feels for him is wrong. My mind keeps telling me that. BUT... I fu..ing loved it!!! Every word of it, every twisted scene and every dark emotion. It made me feel crazy, scared, conflicted and hot and I want more. Can't wait to see what's next for Caleb and Kitten. I only hope next book will be as good as this one was.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #5); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Last night was ''just one more chapter'' night for me. Of course, that means I devoured second half of Lover Unbound, unable to put it down. Yes, I was late for work this morning, but it was worth it. I regret nothing ;) Fifth book in BDB series surprised me more than once. First thing that got my eyes pop out was the role of Scribe Virgin. Thinking about it now, there is logic behind all that, but when I first found out who she really was, it caused me a serious case of bug eyes. She is still one very complex character and it's hard to just like or dislike her because she allways floats somewhere in between, but she is also very interesting and I like reading about her, regardless of my mixed feelings about her. Another surprise was V, or to be more accurate - his past. It was so painful to read, poor V :( After Z, I did not expect other Brothers to have such a violent, brutal past/chilhood, so V's memories were even more disturbing because I did not see them coming. I felt for him so much and love him even more now. Of course, the biggest surprise of all was the ending. I was warned about it by one of my GR friends, and still I was... WHAAAAAAAAAAAAA... NOONONOOONO... :( :( COME ON, COME ON... PLEASE... UH-HUH... Yup, the ending shocked the hell out of me! Now I see the logic in it and understand it was actually the best option, given the circumstances. I like it. J. R. Ward made a risky move there and I think it payed off. Unexpected twist and shock with ending I (kinda) wanted is just fine by me (now that my heart beat is back to normal). Some things I did not like so much. Introduction to next book, for example. It was too long and both Phury and Cormia got more chapters than I cared about. I really, really like them (especially Cormia), but some things between them happened too soon and I think they belong in book 6. Lover Unbound is about V and Jane and of course a lot of other characters, but there was just a little bit too much of Phury and Cormia. One more thing that felt wrong for me was the ''Mine'' part of the story. I know all BDB books are pretty much insta-love kind of books, but with V it was waaay too soon. I mean, his story with Butch was driving him crazy at one moment, and in the next he was all about Jane being his. I'm not saying it was wrong, it was just a little bit rushed for my taste. There was no future for V and Butch anyway, but still - V was too much in love with him to let it go just like that. That said, it was nice to see the two of them talk and even joke about V's feelings. I just can't get over how great they are; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pjesma sudnjeg dana; Author: George R.R. Martin; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Such a weird book. I thought this would be a murder mystery mixed with some good rock music. And it was, for about 1/3 of the story. It was scary and interesting and hard to put down. 2/3 was about music. And it was great! I loved every single description of Nazgul on the stage, of concerts and songs - it was so real that I felt like I was right there, singing with the crowd. Those parts were just brilliant and I enjoyed them very, very much. For some reason, I think that ''Ragin'' would be my favorite song :) Last third of this story went to completely different direction. It got supernatural, which I did not expect at all. It is not a bad thing and it fits to the story well, but I thihnk I would like it more if it followed the path set in the beginning. By the end it got too obvious about the identity of the murderer (well at least to me because I figured it out waaay before Sandy), but then again, it wasn't even important who killed that guy anymore. It was all about Nazgul and their West Mesa concert. That Pat or Hobbit thing and where it took the story was a little bit too much for me. Usually I like supernatural, but I was uncomfortable with it in this book. Ending was weak. And I didn't like Sandy. But all in all, it was a good read. I didn't like some parts, but it was worth reading because of the music. The music deserved it 5 stars, but Sandy and his friends and the ending made me reduce my rating to 3 stars.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #6); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: To be honest, I didn't expect much from Lover Enshrined, mainly because Phury left no impression on me. He was interesting only because he took care of Z and that was about it. I never fell for him like I did for other Brothers. After reading his book, it's pretty much the same - can't say why, but he just doesn't do it for me. I like him more now because of what he did for Chosen, but other than that, I'm just not feeling him. Maybe it has something to do with his addiction (I don't find that attractive at all), and the fact that I just can't picture his multi-colored hair. With other Brothers, I have a strong, clear image of how they look in my head, but with Phury that image changes with every new description of his looks, so he is kind of abstract to me. In my opinion, Cormia was the better half of this romance. It was very sweet to see her learn stuff about world of vampires in Caldwell that was completely new for her. I think she handled all that Phury/Bella issue really well and she has my respect for that. I also admire her for being strong and not giving up on Phury. It took a lot of patience to break through his walls and help him send the wizard to hell. I'm really happy for her because she deserved to get what she wanted. Phury should really keep it together for her from now on! Their romance was nice and all, but comparing to other books, it lacked the usual hotness and deep connection. Cormia was OK, but Phury was tortured too much, then suddenly in love too much, then determined too much... I am not making any sense right now, so I'll just say it could have been better. What ''saved'' this book and earned it 4 stars from me were other storylines and characters. Layla surprised me. I never really liked her before, but she showed her funny side at the end, so now I can see some potential for her to be more likeable. And Payne... That ''fuck you'' was epic!!! I just know I'll enjoy her story when I come to it. Rehv is great in this one. Such an edgy, yet so exciting character! I don't support his dealer business and never will, but nonetheless he is very, very interesting. That scene with the Princess was torture to read, so now I am really looking forward to see him get out of it all and find some peace for himself. Go Rehv! Changes in the lesser world are refreshing. They are worse than ever before, but it is nice to not have Mr. X or Mr. D or Mr. whoever POV chapters. Lash does just fine in making them evil and he is a better villain than Omega himself. (I really hope John Matthew will be the end of Lash someday.) And <3 Qhuinn and Blay <3 WoW! They are the best friends anyone can have! Love; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #8); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: John Matthew is one of my favorite fictional characters, not only in BDB series, but ever. I love everything about him: his personality, his kindness, his strenght, his vulnerability, his looks, his determination, his loyalty... I could go on and on. Dear John Matthew, I loved how he knew he wanted Xhex from the very first time he looked at her. (As John Matthew, that is.) Because of him, Lover Mine is now my favorite BDB book. It has its flaws, but they are very easy to ignore. All I can think about right now is how much I enjoyed my reading time these last couple of days. Lover Mine was very emotional and it went deep. Actually, some parts reminded me of Lover Awakened, another one of my favorites. Both are about surviving horrible past, both written in such a beautiful way. I loved how hope and love truly conquered all - rape, kidnapping, fear, trauma... everything. Romance was great, especially at the end when all the broken pieces came together and both John and Xhex got their lives back on track with each other. And sex... That scene with the mirror in the bathroom was sooo sensual and delicious! I must say that I still can't get over the fact that Butch and V are not together. They had a very small part in Lover Mine, but it was enough to remind me of their chemistry and how right they feel together. Such a shame! I thought I'd be fine with that by now, but I'm not. I like both Marissa and Jane, but... Damn it, Butch and V belong together!!! Maybe that's the reason I like Qhuinn and Blay so much. They are great characters, and I really hope their HEA will make up for B&V strike. I am really anxious to read their book. They are so great together, love all that heat between them (even when they refuse to look at each other) and... Oh, I just can't wait to get my hands on their story!!! As I said, I loved Lover Mine and I love John Matthew even more now. If I could, I'd give this book 100000000 stars because of him. Such a great character!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kneginja iz Petrinjske ulice; Author: Marija Juric Zagorka; Genres: history, fiction, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, mystery; Review: I kad citam o njoj i kad citam njene knjige, ma i svaki put kad samo cujem njeno ime, ne mogu da ne osjetim duboko postovanje prema ovoj zeni. Nema se tu mnogo za pricati, dovoljno je reci: Marija Juric Zagorka i prvi hrvatski kriminalisticki roman. Recept za uzivanje. ''Kneginja iz Petrinjske ulice'' mi je, 105 godina nakon sto je napisana, dodatno uljepsala ovih nekoliko ionako odlicnih dana godisnjeg odmora. Pokoja primjedba na radnju i likove bi se i mogla naci, ali ih u ovom slucaju ne zelim traziti ni isticati, pa za cjelokupnu atmosferu i dozivljaj citanja ipak dajem svih 5 zvjezdica. I po tko zna koji put - kapa dolje za Zagorku!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mrtve djevojke iz Mississippija; Author: Tom Franklin; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: 3,5 *; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pobjednik ostaje sam; Author: Paulo Coelho; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Too condescending. I don't mind being reminded of real values of life and superficiality of modern world, but a whole book about it is a bit too much for me. Too many characters, and none of them made me care, not even slightly enough to be concerned if they get to live or die at the end. The whole story made my eyes roll on too many occasions. Descriptions were boring and long, dialogues artificial and the whole thing felt wrong. I hated the ''tone'' of writing - it sounded as if the readers are too oblivious and stupid to see the world for themselves, and as if we all need to be told about life from a person who considers himself superior. Well, most of us are not oblivious/stupid, and pages and pages of telling us what we already know are not really necessary. It would be so much better if more space was used for actual plot, and less for tirades about everything that is wrong with the modern world. It is ok to see the world as it is and be able to distinguish true values from fake glamour, but cca 280 pages of tirades about it is not something I find amusing or interesting.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: North and South; Author: Elizabeth Gaskell; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Watching the mini series before reading was definitely a mistake. As much as I tried not to, it was impossible to avoid comparing one with the other. And I must say... the mini series is the winner in this case. Richard Armitage as John Thornton left me speachless! I just couldn't get enough of him and every scene with him was simply perfect. Daniela Denby- Ashe was also wonderfull, a great match for him and chemistry between them made this series unforgettable for me. Beautiful!!! Ok, on to the book. If I read it before watching, it would be a 5 star book. Because it really is a good book. Margaret Hale is one of those fierce female characters I enjoy reading about so much and everything she went through and the way she handled it gave me a lot to think about. It was interesting to follow her from piecefull South to very different North and to watch her developing relationships with other characters, especially with Bessie and Nicholas, and Mr. Thornton, of course. Lives of workers and masters and their conflicts were the reason I took this story very seriously. It is not just a historical romance, but a precious insight in social matters and a superb description od that period. Elizabeth Gaskell introduced two very different points of view and made both seem very logical, with no obvious bad guys and good guys. It was easy to understand Mr. Thornton and his attitude, but it was also natural to emphatyze with workers and their families. I think she did a great, great job with this! Although the relationship between Margaret and John was really fun and interesting to read about, some other relationships made this book one of a kind. John and his mother, for one. So special and even complicated and hard at times, but so easy to understand and very emotional. Bessie and Nicholas Higgins were also a great example of a close family on the other end of social scale. With Hales and Frederick higher in class but actually somewhere in between, family ties and everyday life was masterly presented. Elizabeth Gaskell hit the very core of lives and every social and personal aspect with these three families. The ending is the only reason it is a 4 and not 5 star book. In the show it was wonderfull and emotional and just perfect. John Thornton (or should I say Richard Armitage?), was brilliant and I couldn't wait to read the last scene. But I am very sorry to say it was not there. The book ended nicely, but not even close to the way the mini series ended and that left me dissapointed a little. My mistake, I know. I really shouldn't have watched it before reading but I have, and now I can't help but feeling that something's missing in the book. That is the only reason for one star down. Apart from that little thing, I can honestly say that this was a wonderfull read. Ok, now I'm off to re-watch the mini; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Me Before You (Me Before You, #1); Author: Jojo Moyes; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: When something breaks your heart and you still love it... that's a special kind of relationship. This book made me feel so much in the past two days, made me think about things I don't usually think about and made me look at life from a different perspective, even for a little bit. It lifted me up and broke me to pieces and I love it for that. Wonderful and heartbreaking story that wll stay with me for a long, long time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sjena vjetra (The Cemetery of Forgotten Books #1); Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Beautiful. Picturesque. Magical.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rat i mir, dio prvi; Author: Leo Tolstoy; Genres: history, biography, fiction, historical fiction; Review: Odlicna!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rat i mir, dio drugi; Author: Leo Tolstoy; Genres: history, biography, fiction, historical fiction; Review: Za ovakve knjige je nemoguce napisati osvrt kakav zasluzuju i dotaknuti se svih razloga zbog kojih su to sto jesu. Nemoguce necu ni pokusavati, jedino sto sad mogu reci je da sam zbilja uzivala u svakoj minuti citanja. I ozbiljni dijelovi, i oni pomalo ''sapunicavi'', i razvoj likova i dogadaja, opazanja i razmisljanja Tolstoja o slobodi covjeka i o svemu sto dovodi do velikih dogadaja, misli i djela likova, veze i odnosi medu njima, kao i odnosi Aleksandra i Napoleona i cijeli tijek rata... Ma svaki dio ove velike knjige mi se svidio. Zbilja vrhunski napisano. Andrej Bolkonski je lik koji me se najvise dojmio i bez obzira na sve, vec znam da ce mi prva asocijacija na ''Rat i mir'' od sada uvijek biti scena u kojoj promatra onaj hrast. Taj mi je detalj i nakon zavrsetka cijele knjige jos uvijek najupecatljiviji. Voljela bih jedino da je rasplet jos detaljnije opisan. To bi znacilo jos stranica, ali svejedno bi mi bilo drago da sam mogla bolje ''vidjeti'' one dogadaje izmedu posljednjih poglavlja i epiloga. Sve je to fino zapakirano i zavrseno, ali bi mi bio drazi laganiji prijelaz umjesto ovog skoka do kraja. Nije to velika zamjerka, ali eto... Sve u svemu, odlicno stivo.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two (Harry Potter, #8); Author: John Tiffany; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I adore Harry Potter world. It is an ultimate comfort zone for me. The name Harry Potter itself takes me back to a time of comfy chair and blanket, cup of coffee, a fireplace and hours and hours spent in a different reality, a feel-good world that somehow had the power to delete everything bad, at least for a certain amount of time. I remember the excitement, the discussions with my siblings, the happiness of reading the books, watching the movies, talking about it... Good times. Now... This. This is not authentic. I should have known. While the glimpse of old feeling of Harry Potter was certainly there when I started reading, it faded soon enough. I feel haunted by the Ghost of Harry Potter Past now. As much as I wanted to, the truth is I did not enjoy this story. In this ''book'', Harry is not Harry. Ron, my favorite Ron is not himself. Hermione is not... I can go on and on. Such a shame. The only thing these characters and the ones I love so much have in common are their names. I feel like I ran into old friends and they are nothing like they used to be. Sad and uncomfortable feeling. Even the new characters couldn't save me from that sinking feeling. I couldn't connect with Albus. In fact, I didn't even find him likeable for anything other than the fact he is an offspring of Harry and Ginny from the authentic HP world. Scorpius is my favorite in this one. I liked him very much, but even he couldn't make up for lack of plot that would make any sense. This feels painfull, but I can't award it with more than 2 stars.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Afterlife of Billy Fingers: How My Bad-Boy Brother Proved to Me There's Life After Death; Author: Annie Kagan; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: While I find the subject very interesting, this particular elaboration of it makes me angry. I usually like reading and hearing different theories about the existance of afterlife and various interpretations of it, just to test or even expand my own beliefs and contemplate the possibilities. Most of all, I'm curious about other opinions, and not only on this subject, but so many more. That's why I read these kind of books from time to time. A novel about Billy would be fine. Great, even. Novel, as in ''a fictitious prose narrative of considerable length and complexity, portraying characters and usually presenting a sequential organization of action and scenes''. This... I am sorry for the author, but this was just not good. I do know the feeling of loosing a family member and I do understand that each one of us has a different way of dealing with all that enormous pain. Writing about it is a great idea, I think. It helps. On that part, it is easy to understand this mess of a book. Sadly, understanding where it came from doesn't make it any better. I don't want to be mean, but I have a feeling that author just used her brother's death to send her own messages to the world. I will not even comment the profit. Because, while I do have an open mind, to me it is crystal clear that in this case the author actually spoke to herself all the time. Not hard to understand actually. What I find wrong about it, is her putting her own words into the mouth of a ghost and publishing them as the truth for all mankind. Again, novel about Billy would be a much better solution than this. Non fiction, really? It feels like she wasn't confident enough to write a book on her own, so she used the sad circumstances as an excuse. With her brother talking to her, she had to write it. Even the Beings from the afterlife agreed on it. Hmmm... Convenient. The ''proofs'' she gave us were no proofs at all. Some of his ''messages'' sounded as they came straight from the fortune cookies. And for an addict and troubled person with not much of an education, Billy was impressively eloquent while describing his experience. For the most part of it, his story was boring. And his Goddess and so many other details from his afterlife sounded like they came from Indian books and even astral projection experiences we can easily find on the Internet. None of it was convincing. I am sorry for her loss, but I can't say it was good when it actully was anything but.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Cloud Atlas; Author: David Mitchell; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Liked the movie, found the book to be boring. Can't say what for sure, but something is missing. It is all nicely wrapped up and the idea is good, but for some reason it was very hard to go through... Not my cup of tea l guess. 2 stars.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Secret History of the World; Author: Jonathan Black; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 3,5 stars; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Girls Don't Cry (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cats: The Ultimate Edition (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Harmonists (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 500 Nations (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best of Travels in Europe with Rick Steves: Germany (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Roger Waters: The Wall: Live in Berlin (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rammstein: Lichtspielhaus (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sniper School (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mail Call: The Best of Season 2 (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: TPU Rubber Bumper Case compatible with Apple iPhone 4 / 4S, Green Shiny; Brand: eForCity; Review: It stayed on, it protected my phone, it was cheap and, I could still access all of the necessary parts of the phone. It does its job.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: JETech Replacement Band for Apple Watch 38mm Series 1 2 3 with Leather Strap and Metal Clasp (Black); Brand: JETech; Review: Got this to replace the silicone band that came with my Apple Watch. The silicone band would trap water under it from whenever I would wash my hands or do dishes. This band doesn't trap anything. It slid right into place, required zero tools, and feels secure. It definitely smells like the leather, but that smell is fading. I'm moderately worried that it might crack at the place where it goes through the buckle, but so far so good. It's a good deal for the price.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: LP® 600W Super Charging Station Battery Phone Charger for Galaxy Note4, Motorola; Brand: LP; Review: I got two of these to charge the many devices on our night stands. I attached them to the underside of the tables with stick on velcro. It has greatly reduced the visible clutter, and I can charge my iPhone, iPad Mini, and Apple Watch at the same time. I also have my LED table lamp plugged in. All these cords and only one coming out of the bottom of the table. Everything else is tucked away. The best part is that when we travel, we don't have to track down all of the little individual chargers. We just pull it from the bottom of the table, wrap up the cords and go. Having the extra length that this charger's cable provides is helpful in hotels. You never know where the outlets will be. I did have the cable get a little twisted inside when trying to unravel it once, but with some patience and a little wiggling, it came loose. I don't recommend trying to unravel the cord by pulling on it. Just twist the center like you're supposed to.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: iPhone 6 Case, iPhone 6s Case, Thinnest Cover Premium Ultra Thin Light Slim Minimal Anti-Scratch Protective; Brand: totallee; Review: I'm not really hard on my phones, but I wanted something to protect my phone from being scratched in my pocket or purse. This is the thinnest case I could find and I love it. It adds a bit of texture that keeps it from falling out of my pocket like a naked iPhone can. It stays on, doesn't have any gaps, and there is full access to all buttons and ports. If you're looking for drop protection, this probably isn't for you. If you're looking for something that will protect from scratches and wear from regular use, this is great. I also suggest investing in one of those glass screen protectors. Mine has saved my screen a few times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MoKo Compatible with Apple Watch Stand, TPU Charging Station Dock Support Nightstand Mode, Fit Apple Watch Series 4; Brand: MoKo; Review: I wanted to be able to just drop my Watch on a dock in nightstand mode instead of chasing the charger around my bed side table. I have the 38mm Watch and at first I was annoyed that the Watch didn't sit in the cradle. The magnet held it up in the air. Then, I noticed the little adhesive rubber adapter piece in the bottom of the box. I applied it, and my Watch sits in the cradle perfectly now. Eventually, I want to get some sort of dependable and affordable (less than $40) dock for my Watch and iPhone together that lets me charge my Watch in nightstand mode. After reading reviews on all of the cheap combo docks, I gave up. Until what I really want exists, this suits my needs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: iPhone 6S Cases, GELITE Genuine Leather Wallet Case of Vintage Retro Style, 4.7; Brand: Gelite; Review: Protects my X like a champ! Ive dropped it a couple times now and my phone is still in great shape. Bought my boyfriend the black one and he has had the same experience. I originally bought the pink and the color combo of the peachy pink and the grey plastic wasn't very appealing so I bought this purple one. The purple is not as vibrant/deep as pictured and still looks kind of weird with the grey, but its a solid case and Im happy with the amount of protection.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Cell_Phones_and_Accessories |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Defying Gravity (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Broken Hearts Club (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Come Undone (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nico and Dani (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Paragraph 175 (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bully (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Journey of Jared Price (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Steam: The Turkish Bath (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Laramie Project (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pay It Forward (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour 2 (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Storm (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Recruit (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hollow Man (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Collateral Damage (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Don't Say a Word (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reindeer Games (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 3 (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sum of All Fears (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Planet of the Apes (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Patch Adams (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park III (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Steel Magnolias (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wild Wild West (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Proof of Life (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vertical Limit (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mission to Mars (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nowhere to Run (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy Returns (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Space (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Space Cowboys (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Murder By Numbers (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: High Crimes (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop II (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Deep Impact (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Phenomenon (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blade (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blood Work (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Net (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 28 Days (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The 6th Day (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Pie 2 (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Godzilla (1998); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: My Best Friend's Wedding (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bone Collector (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Clockwork Orange (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: U-571 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Frequency (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rules of Engagement (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Pie (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Six Days (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Final Destination (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Swordfish (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible II (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Batman & Robin (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Along Came a Spider (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Behind Enemy Lines (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Air Force One (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Castle (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: You've Got Mail (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Waterboy (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tomb Raider (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Firm (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ransom (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Mask of Zorro (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Remember the Titans (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride (1991); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Face/Off (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tomorrow Never Dies (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Center Stage (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Season 2 (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: It's My Party (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Speedway Junky (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Higher Learning (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heavenly Creatures (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Silkwood (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Regular Guys (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Boys Briefs 2 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lan Yu (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Happy Together (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Wilde (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lawn Dogs (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Life on Ice (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Party Monster (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bedrooms and Hallways (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Queer as Folk: Season 2 (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Daydream Obsession (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Boys Life 4: Four Play (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Einstein of Sex (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Danny in the Sky (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: I Think I Do (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boys Life 2 (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mambo Italiano (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Dirt (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Get Your Stuff (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Boy's Choir (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Playmakers (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Issues 101 (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Borstal Boy (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: For a Lost Soldier (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Close to Leo (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Confusion of Genders (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Yossi & Jagger (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hey (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: P.S. Your Cat is Dead! (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grande Ecole (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: The Original Vacu Vin Wine Saver with 2 Vacuum Stoppers and 2 Wine Servers - Stainless Steel; Brand: Vacu Vin; Review: I bought this gift set along with the wine aerator for my daughter. She really likes it and told me to get it for myself!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lodge 3.6 Quart Cast Iron Casserole Pan. Red Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Dual Handles and Lid; Brand: Lodge; Review: I love the Lodge enamel covered cast iron cookware. It is the best for cooking meats--heats evenly--and the enamel makes it super easy to clean. You can use this casserole as a large skillet or for casseroles. The dutch oven is fabulous as well. It is a beautiful red and looks new after being washed no matter how much cooked on grime there is!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spectrum Diversified File Holder and Magazine Rack, 3 Tiers, Wall Mount, Chrome; Brand: Spectrum Diversified; Review: This looks great, I like the angles so it does not stick out too far. It was exactly as pictured.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GEFU Spirelli Spiral Slicer (13460); Brand: GEFU; Review: This is a great gadget to have on hand. I love the spirals and it is easy to use. Makes cutting down on the carbs in pasta easy when you can use zucchini or other veggies instead.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cake Boss Wooden Tools and Gadgets 13-Inch Silicone Scraping Spatula with Measure Marks, Red; Brand: Cake Boss; Review: Perfect for nonstick pans.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cake Boss Reazeal ANTI SNORING ,#1 Advanced Anti Tongue Retaining Device, Tongue Sleep Aid (Transparent); Brand: Cake Boss; Review: Can use for pies or cakes. Will not scratch nonstick pans.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ecosoft Water Filter Pitcher Jug - BPA-Free - Commercial Grade Ecomix Filter Cleaners with 2 Free Cartridges, for Home; Brand: Ecosoft; Review: This pitcher is exactly what i wanted. It works perfectly and is easy to use. The filter fits in exactly right and the pitcher is easy to fill and easy to pour from. It is made off quality material and is a substantial size. I like that the directions are clear and that it came with a filter so I could begin using it right away. I think it is a great value! Update: the pitcher developed a crack but I am very happy to report Clean Sip is replacing it immediately at no charge to me. Very happy with their prompt and courteous attention.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: PUR Basic Water Pitcher Replacement Filter, 2-Stage, 1-Pack, Filter Replacements for PUR Water Filter Pitchers, Reduced Chlorine Taste and; Brand: PUR; Review: I've been using the PUR countertop water filter for several years and love the taste of the water without chlorine. Until I can afford a whole-house filtering system, this is a great option. The only thing I don't like about this system is the throwing away the canisters every 2-3 months. I contacted PUR about this issue, but nothing available yet to recycle the canisters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Melon Baller to make melon balls with Fruit Carving Knife Multifunction Kitchen Tool by USA PRIDE; Brand: Pride USA; Review: I found this tool while browsing kitchen gadgets. I've since discovered that a zucchini corer, that will do the same job more efficiently, exists and have ordered one. In the meantime, I've use this tool to hollow out eggplant and summer squash in preparation for stuffing. Instead of the "boat" that we Americans use, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine hollow out vegetables for stuffing. As you can see from my photos, this tool works fine for that purpose. A plug for a great cookbook from a cuisine that is going extinct: "Aromas of Aleppo: The Legendary Cuisine of Syrian Jews" by Poopa Dweck. I looked for recipes on line, and bought the cookbook when I didn't find them. When a Mizrahi friend recommended it to me, he said "They stuff everything!" Which is pretty much true.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin 1.3 Gallon-Includes Charcoal Filter; Brand: Epica; Review: It's been well over a year since I bought this compost bin. I use it to store compostable items under the sink until I dump the contents into my worm box which is where the composting actually occurs. The quality of the bin is quite high, despite being made in China. The top fits snugly, without binding, and the I've had no problems with odor permeating the filters. Two bolts have fallen out, a minor issue and easily repaired. I highly recommend the Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin for its intended purpose.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Luminarc Classic Glass Butter Dish with Lid; Brand: Luminarc; Review: This is the first butter container Ive used. I like that it is simple and presentable on the kitchen counter for half pound slabs of butter. Because it was made in France, it assuages my concern about material purity and safety. I do not share the need that some have for a handle and find the top cover stable enough for my purposes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pinzon Luxury Reversible Cotton Bath Mat - 21 x 34 inch, Platinum; Brand: Pinzon by Amazon; Review: I liked the color, softness, and lush thickness of this rug upon arrival. Then I machine washed it on gentle cycle and partially dried it on warm temperature to fluff it out again. Not only did it shed, but there were long threads of cotton material detached from the surface and actual bald area left behind. I generally purchase quality products and care for them so they last a lot no time. Thus, I am very disappointed in the quality of this rug!; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: GigaBite Odor-Free Braided Bully Sticks - USDA & FDA Certified All Natural, Free Range Beef Pizzle Dog Treat; Brand: Best Pet Supplies, Inc.; Review: wasnt right but contracors supply made it better then right great co; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ims Cadet Gourmet Bully Sticks For Dogs, 1 Pound; Brand: Cadet; Review: do not deal thief takes your money doesnt anwser emails no product; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: GigaBite Odor-Free Braided Bully Sticks - USDA & FDA Certified All Natural, Free Range Beef Pizzle Dog Treat; Brand: Best Pet Supplies, Inc.; Review: nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good Buddy USA Rawhide Braided Sticks for Dogs, 7 to 8-Inch, 2 Count (Pack of 1); Brand: Good Buddy; Review: nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Loving Pets Pure Buffalo Dog Treat; Brand: Loving Pets; Review: nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GigaBite 1-Pound Odor-Free Bully Sticks – USDA & FDA Certified All Natural, Free Range Beef Pizzle Dog Treat; Brand: Best Pet Supplies, Inc.; Review: nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: IMS Pet Bull Sticks-Sticker, Large, 2 Pounds; Brand: IMS PET; Review: nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: REDBARN 7-Inch Braided Bully Sticks; Brand: REDBARN; Review: nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: When We Were Kings; Brand: Muhammad Ali; Review: Filmmaker Leon Gast attempted to do the impossible in 1974; chronicle the build-up to the highly-anticipated "Rumble in the Jungle" heavyweight title clash in Kinshasa, Zaire, between champion George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, the fight itself and the aftermath. While the fight went into the boxing history as one of the most exciting and controversial ever, the project was KO'd for 22 years through a number of lawsuits involving Gast and individuals who bankrolled the project. It was well worth the wait. The intrigue and excitement surrounding the event is captured through the participants in and out of the ring. There were questions on whether the fight would ever take place and - if it did - whether Ali could survive the onslaught of the champ who destroyed Joe Frazier to win the crown and packed destructive power in his punches. As a sidebar, Foreman for years claimed that a water-bottle used in his corner may have been tampered with, as he could not explain why he became so exhausted during the fight. Foreman also had numerous death threats placed against him in the weeks leading to the match. The interviews with Norman Mailer and George Plimpton are especially interesting, since both writers were at the fight and share recollections that only those covering the chaos could relate to viewers. In his book on the fight, Mailer admits that he - like many others - was afraid that Ali was at risk getting severely hurt or killed in the ring. The film won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Documentary, Features. It is a classic for those who want to capture a classic moment in boxing history when a larger-than-life Ali soldified his crown as "The Greatest of All-Time."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rollerball VHS; Brand: Chris Klein; Review: The original Rolerball and this 2002 remake have recently been making the rounds on cable-TV. Simply, putting sequel up against the original is like comparing the XFL to the NFL. The remake is simply dreadful, with a poor script, equally poor casting and a gimmicky figure-eight track with tunnels & sidetracks which is played on rollerblades - with other team members on motorcycles - and goals scored with the metal ball. Based in central Asia, the game becomes increasingly violent to boost TV ratings - especially in America - and to make for growing fan interest. It takes the anticorporate stance of Jonathon E and morphs him into outlaw exteme sports lover Jonathon Cross (Chris Klein), who ultimately leads the players and fans in a revolt against the senseless violence pushed by sport founder Alexi Petrovich (Jean Reno) and the networks. Sounds like a bad WWE storyline, and that may be why motormouth Paul Heyman is the "announcer" for the games. I was waiting for Heyman to belt out, "It's Extreme," several hundred times. Put LL Cool J, who plays an old friend of Cross and the person who gets him involved in the game, in the lead role and he may have saved the character from being absolutely unbelievebale. Perhaps putting Heyman as the evil entrepreneur may have made for a more sinister Petrovich. And slowing the cinema-photography down from its rapid cuts may have forced editors to let the story speak volumes like the original. But in the end, Rollerball is a poor attempt in updating a movie that didn't need it.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Tucker--The Man and His Dream VHS; Brand: Jeff Bridges; Review: The story of Preston Tucker is directed by Francis Ford Coppola, produced by Gerge Lucas and features an outstanding performance by Jeff Bridges as the inventor who dreamed too large in this wonderful American Dream. After World War II, the automobile industry - in the guise of The Big Three - were poised to convert its manufacturing plants back to the soon-to-be burgeoning domestic market. Enter into the picture Preston Tucker, a successful inventor who had ideas to create an affordable, reliable and safe family automobile (yes, a revolutionary concept, even in the 1940s). His "Tucker 48" auto included a rear-mounted, fuel-injected engine, disk brakes, seat belts and a padded dash, a front windshield that popped out during a severe crash, push-button controls and a third front headlight that turned while the driver was steering. Seen as a threat to the marketing plans of the auto industry, Tucker's dream is destroyed in the hallowed halls of the federal government that winds it way through the senate chambers and stops at the desk of the president. Only 51 cars were produced. Initially shot like the slick corporate promotional films of the 1950s to creatively present an overview of this buried history, Tucker: The Man and His Dream is a reminder how the power of influence & greed manipulates the marionette of business & government.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tucker: The Man and His Dream; Brand: Jeff Bridges; Review: The story of Preston Tucker is directed by Francis Ford Coppola, produced by Gerge Lucas and features an outstanding performance by Jeff Bridges as the inventor who dreamed too large in this wonderful American Dream. After World War II, the automobile industry - in the guise of The Big Three - were poised to convert its manufacturing plants back to the soon-to-be burgeoning domestic market. Enter into the picture Preston Tucker, a successful inventor who had ideas to create an affordable, reliable and safe family automobile (yes, a revolutionary concept, even in the 1940s). His "Tucker 48" auto included a rear-mounted, fuel-injected engine, disk brakes, seat belts and a padded dash, a front windshield that popped out during a severe crash, push-button controls and a third front headlight that turned while the driver was steering. Seen as a threat to the marketing plans of the auto industry, Tucker's dream is destroyed in the hallowed halls of the federal government that winds it way through the senate chambers and stops at the desk of the president. Only 51 cars were produced. Initially shot like the slick corporate promotional films of the 1950s to creatively present an overview of this buried history, Tucker: The Man and His Dream is a reminder how the power of influence & greed manipulates the marionette of business & government.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Superfight - Marciano vs. Ali; Brand: Rocky Marciano; Review: Professional boxing seemed like the best sport to let the computer decide who was the greatest heavyweight champion ever. Since the complaint - which still remains - is how fighters from different eras could be "evenly" matched up, it was a natural for some promoter to take the human element out of the equation with the emerging technology. A Miami-based boxing promoter made the idea a reality in the late 1960s with a series of radio "fights" between champs of different eras, with the results figured out through a computer, and the action transcribed for airplay. The success of that series brought the "Superfight" of Muhammad Ali v. Rocky Marciano. Neither fighter was active at the time - Ali was suspended due to his religious stance against serving in the military and Marciano had not been in the ring for many years. The participants met in a sparring session in 1969 where the action was choreographed and then edited for the "match." On January 20, 1970, boxing fans in 1,500 theaters in the U.S. and Europe witnessed the event, which actually had two different endings (one was only shown in several European markets). The movie also aired once on ABC's Wide World of Sports. The hype surrounding the movie included the publishing of a magazine with photographs from the sparring session and leaving the reader guessing on what would happen in the latter rounds. What was most surprising was the outstanding physical condition of Marciano; who had been retired for about 13 years. He was to tragically die in a plane crash months after the film was shot. More of a novelty piece for the boxing enthusiast, it showed how fans then had a unique interest in an emerging tool - the computer - as a means to determine the outcome in what remains a sport truly driven by the human psyche.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Round - Chuvalo vs. Ali; Brand: George Chuvalo; Review: In 27 rounds spanning two fights, Canadian heavyweight George Chuvalo was never intimidated by Muhammad Ali. And it just may have been a case of an overmatched contender who had a world champion's heart and enough tricks in his unorthodox style to be on his feet when the final bells rung. Director Joseph Blasioli chronicles the March 29, 1966, Ali title defense in Toronto, Canada, where - at the height of his ring prowess - he captured a 15-round unanimous decision over the game Chuvalo. Released in 2004, the documentary uses archival footage, clips from previous fights and interviews with Ali's trainer Angelo Dundee, boxing historian Bert Randolph Sugar and abrassive columnist Jimmy Breslin to describe a match that is forgotten amongst the historic fights that defined Ali as one of the greatest champions ever. In a rematch on May 1, 1972, in Vancouver, Chuvalo again demonstrated his veteran ring savvy in losing another decision to Ali, this time in 12 rounds. Chuvalo was good enough to dream in this oftentimes brutal sport that he was one well-placed combination away from capturing the heavyweight title. In The Last Round, Chuvalo shows that a champion may not always be the fighter who leaves the ring with the victory for the record book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Serpent & the Rainbow VHS; Brand: Bill Pullman; Review: From what was a landmark study by ethnobiologist Wade Davis into the folk preparations in the creation of zombies and the belief system associated with Haitian voodoo came a Eurocentric mess of a movie with the same title that was originally released in 1988. It was reported at the time that Davis only agreed to sell the rights of the book if Peter Weir was hired as the movie director and Mel Gibson would play the leading role (based on Davis). Neither person was ever involved in the movie project. The DVD cover tells the story as presented by director Wes Craven; the movie strips the book of its exploration into the real history and customs of the religious practices unique to Haitian society and pounds away at the the evilness of voodoo and the destruction it can cause to the human psyche. In the movie, the scientist is in search of a secret voodoo powder that places people in a simulated death. The setting is in a time of political revolution and the movie does touch upon authentic details of Haitian society. But the action degenerates into the overt racism of the horror genre that gets repeated over and over again; the darker the skin, the more evil the sin. To save time and money, purchase the book and appreciate the solid research and writing by Davis & disregard the DVD.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Cleopatra Jones VHS; Brand: Tamara Dobson; Review: As bad as a man as Shaft is, he wouldn't play with Cleopatra Jones if he thought for one minute she was on her last nerve, and it was shredding fast. Tamara Dobson portrays a special agent who is busting up a drug pipeline from Turkey to the United States that is operated by Mommy (Shelley Winters). I hope I don't ruin the ending for you, but keep in mind the movie isn't titled, Mommy. I always found the film a parody of James Bond and the other tough white heroes back in the day who would gently set the lady aside before punching out the villains, with the hero capturing her heart in the end. Cleopatra Jones disarms the bad guys with her charm, but is also cooking up some knuckle sandwiches to take them out with when the time is right. Dobson does a great job in a role that may have been nearly impossible to pull off well. Such over-the-top characters have to be difficult to portray - there is a fine line between acting well or making the character the buffoonish Rambo - but Dobson does a great job. The DVD cover is a pretty poor updated version to the original artwork. The movie is from 1973, not 2003 and the artwork should make that point. If you are looking for a movie that packs a punch, run quickly away from the usual suspects and get Cleopatra Jones.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What's Love Got To Do With It? VHS; Brand: Angela Bassett; Review: an argument. I have 32 cents in my pocket. If you give me a room I promise you I will pay you back as soon as I can." And if this powerful scene of a battered and bruised Tina Turner from the hands of Ike Turner, fleeing to a nearby hotel - a star performer known throughout the world - with only change in her pocket, doesn't move you, then you just don't get it. Angela Bassett won Golden Globe and NAACP Image awards for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the 1993 release that was based on the best-selling autobiography, I, Tina. Laurence Fishburne turns in a fantastic performance as Ike Turner. The movie follows the life of Anna Mae Bullock from Nutbush, Tennessee to St. Louis - where she meets Ike Turner - and to what appeared to be a charmed life of international music stars. But success came with a harsh price for Tina Turner. As her popularity grew, Ike Turner became physically and verbally abusive. Fueling this cowardly anger with cocaine, he openly flaunted his affairs while being surrounded by a group of enablers, who said nothing as long as the party never stopped. Tina Turner finally finds the courage to leave the relationship and rebuild her shattered personal & professional life. The final scene brings even more powerful meaning to the song, What's Love Got To Do With It, which streaked to number one in the Billboard Hot 100 chart on September 1, 1984. A man like Ike Turner who physically and mentally abuses a woman is a sick bully and coward. In the divorce proceedings, though Tina Turner agreed to sign away any claim to future record royalties and publishing rights to their music, Ike Turner - who played a bizarre victim card - also wanted her stage name, claiming, "That name's got my daddy's blood written all over it." He was so wrong; it wasn't his daddy's blood written all over it. Anna Mae Bullock got to keep the name that she made even more famous as a solo artist, author and - perhaps, most importantly - as a woman who showed the fortitude to leave an abusive relationship and take control of her life.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Carmen Jones VHS; Brand: Dorothy Dandridge; Review: Carmen Jones - Boy, if the army was made up of nothin' but soldiers like you, war wouldn't do nobody no good. Adapted from a legendary opera, Carmen, and the successful Broadway musical, it is a timeless story which explores the consequences when a deep devotion leads to personal anguish and then to intense, tragic rage. The movie won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture and Dorothy Dandridge - in a sizzling performance as Carmen Jones - was the first black woman nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actress. The film was selected for preservation by the U.S. National Film Registry. The cast is nothing less than outstanding, with Harry Belafonte (Joe) and Joe Adams (heavyweight fighter, Husky Miller) capturing the emotional turmoil and consequences in striving to be Carmen's only lover. Olga James (Cindy Lou), Pearl Bailey (Frankie), Diahann Carroll (Mert) and Brock Peters (Sgt. Brown) are captivating in their roles. Adapted to film by Oscar Hammerstaein III - who wrote the dialogue & lyrics for the musical - and Harry Kleiner & directed by Otto Preminger, the movie was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical. Rarely do all the elements fall into place for a perfect movie. They all came together for Carmen Jones.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spike Lee Joint Collection (Clockers / Jungle Fever / Do the Right Thing / Mo` Better Blues / Crooklyn); Brand: Harvey Keitel; Review: There are a few artists who come to mind - Peter Max, for example - who strongly believe that their craft should be accessible to fans at any income level. Simply, art is solely not defined by its high price tag. With the release of the Spike Lee Joint Collection (Clockers/ Jungle Fever/ Do the Right Thing/ Mo` Better Blues/ Crooklyn), the legendary film maker is making a very strong statement in the movie industry on producing an extraordinary product at an affordable price. This is Economics 101 at its simplest, five movies for the cost of a couple of movie tickets at most theaters. It is as much a collection for fans of Lee's career as it an outstanding sampler for those just getting into his style. And it begs a very important question; if Lee and Max - along with others - can do it, why isn't this practical approach done industry-wide within the arts?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tuskegee Airmen VHS; Brand: Laurence Fishburne; Review: During World War II an "experimental" program was attempted at the Tuskegee (Alabama) Air Force Base that would have much greater implications for the years to come. Call it a "Manhattan Project" for the minds of military and political leaders; it was to train and use a black air squadron in the war. And the rich history of fighting for democracy in war while battling racism is brought to life in this outstanding DVD based on the triumphs & travails of the airmen. An all-star cast - including Laurence Fishburne, Cuba Gooding Jr., Malcolm Jamal Warner, Vivica A. Fox and John Lithgow - follows the airmen through their training to the skies over Africa and Italy, with the focus on the lives of each major character. The DVD does an excellent job in juxtaposing the patriotism of the flyers with the Jim Crow laws on the homefront and in the military. In one powerful scene, German POW's are given better accomodations on a train transport than the airmen. The flyers proved to be one of the most efficient and valuable squadrons in the war. The squadron actually had a low casualty rate while suffering no losses of bombers being escorted. The squadron also tallied a high kill rate of enemy aircraft when engaged in combat. Not only heroes in war, the squadron was an important factor in setting the stage several years later for the military to be desegregated by law by President Harry Truman. As with most movies with a historical theme, there are liberties taken to push the story along. But The Tuskegee Airmen is a great story and sets a solid foundation for anyone interested in further pursuing research in yet another lost gem of American history.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bronx Is Burning; Brand: John Turturro; Review: The 8-episode, weekly miniseries, which originally aired on ESPN from July 9 to August 28, 2007, is based on the outstanding and highly-ambitious book by Jonathan Mahler, entitled, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning: 1977, Baseball, Politics, and the Battle for the Soul of a City. Where Mahler successfully weaves sports, politics, socio-economics and crime in the New York City of 1977, the many issues cannot be tackled well in this miniseries format. What makes it on the field is a better-than-average chronicle of the New York Yankees, with the oftentimes much more important historical issues - a controversial mayoral race, municipal layoffs, financial turmoil, a July city blackout & looting and the Son of Sam serial murders - never really making it out of the dugout. The performances by Daniel Sunjata (outfielder and star Reggie Jackson) and John Turturro (manager Billy Martin) are outstanding and they work miracles in trying to bring some type of flow to the script. But their strength actually shows the weakness of miniseries; there is way too much focus on this dysfunctional relationship. The championship run by the Yankees ultimately was one shining moment in one of the bleakest years in the city's history. It wasn't all about baseball, though the miniseries makes it appear that the action in Yankee Stadium was the straw that stirred the municipal drink.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ruffian; Brand: Sam Shepard; Review: As these ESPN Original Entertainment productions have gone over the years, this is arguably the finest, though with several controversies, which the movies seemingly cannot run away from. Originally airing June 9, 2007, on ABC, Sam Shepard does a commendable job portraying Ruffian's trainer, Frank Whiteley. With much of the focus on Ruffian's performances, the staged racing shots are good, especially with then Belmont Park race announcer Dave Johnson - portraying himself - recreating his work. But with the availability of most of the actual racing footage - used as part of a wealth of bonus features - would have been a major plus. The story-telling element is strange, as it evolves into the relationship between Whiteley and reporter William Nack (played by Frank Whaley). Nack penned an ESPN Books-published recollection on Ruffian, which was not a movie tie-in, entitled, Ruffian: A Race Track Romance. At times the script bogs down in scenes where Nack - who works on special projects for ESPN - seemingly towers over the trainer and racer. There is rightfully heavy emphasis on the July 6, 1975, "Battle of the Sexes" match-race between Ruffian and Kentucky Derby champion, Foolish Pleasure. With more than 50,000 fans jammed into Belmont Park and an estimated 18 million TV viewers, Ruffian suffered a hideous breakdown of her right foreleg and was euthanized one day later when she broke the cast and another leg after surgery, which lasted 12 hours. The bonus features puts the real story in its true historic perspective. It includes an interview (surprise!) with Nack and an important conversation with Jane Schwartz, who wrote the definitive biography on Ruffian, the 1991 release, Ruffian: Burning From the Start. The movie alone does not tell the complete the story. The DVD bonus features and books by Schwartz & Nack will give a more complete picture on a phenomenal filly who ultimately was a victim of human ego and media greed.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dodgeball - A True Underdog Story Full Screen Edition; Brand: Ben Stiller; Review: With elements of parody culled from such sources as the movie, Hoosiers, G.I. Joe action figures and exercise equipment/nutrition infomercials, this is an absolute funny romp that is not just individual bits spliced together; the plot moves sprightly past what was supposed to be the ending - the final game - to a much more satisfying conclusion of sudden-death overtime on the Dodgeball floor. Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn are outstanding in their roles in this unique variation of good versus evil; with the storyline focusing on the members of local gym versus the fitness mavens at a plush, state-of-the-art mega-center. And in the end, the play-by-play announcer says it all: "Do you believe in improbabilities? Yes!"; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WWE: The Spectacular Legacy of the American Wrestling Association; Brand: Curt Hennig; Review: With 13 matches spanning nearly 20 years, along with interviews with many of the stars - Verne Gagne and his son, Greg, Hulk Hogan, Baron Von Raschke, Bobby Heenan, "Mean" Gene Okerlund and Nick Bockwinkel - the two-DVD set is an important addition to the video library of any wrestling fan. Founded by the legendary amateur and professional wrestler, Verne Gagne, and Wally Karbo, the American Wrestling Association was based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and operated from 1957-1991. The documentary portion provides a complete overview of the company's operation, with the matches from 1971 to 1988, and 10 of the bouts from the 1980s. The AWA had a nationally-syndicated program throughout its existence, ran major shows - a forerunner to the WWE's WrestleMania spectacles - and marketed itself through a cable-TV program in the 1980s. Verne Gagne was not only the owner, but trained many of the wrestlers and held the company's world title 10 times. The AWA revolutionized the industry in many ways, which makes the limited scope of this release a major drawback. But it would arguably be an impossible task to contain the cost by releasing a series of multi-disc, boxed sets. The project editors at WWE - owners of the AWA footage - did as good a job as possible to satisfy older fans who remember the AWA, while placing the company in a proper historical perspective for the new generation of enthusiasts.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fantasia Walt Disney's Masterpiece VHS; Brand: Leopold Stokowski; Review: The two CDs are as much a chronicle of the careers of these four outstanding musicians as it is on the surprising staying power of Asia's oftentimes much derided body of work. And this is not a group that is simply cruising on the hits from the past; this is a solid performance by individuals who truly understand the strategy of utilizing the stage as a grand avenue to interpret studio concepts. Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton took progressive rock - with a unique wall-of-sound - and placed it solidly onto the pop charts some 25 years ago. Fantasia arguably is the best live release in 2007.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Slap Shot 2 - Breaking the Ice VHS; Brand: Stephen Baldwin; Review: The 2002 sequel to the classic, Slap Shot, which was releaseed in 1977, should be shown during in-school supensions at high-school's nationwide; students would want to quickly return to the classroom, though parents may deem the showing of the movie cruel and unusual punishment. The story again centers on the fighting, rowdy Charlestown Chiefs, who are bought by a family-entertianment company, relocated to Nebraska and scheduled to play in scripted games to demonstrate how a sanitized version of the game can be fun, wholesome family entertainment. Starring Stephen Baldwin, Gary Busey and Jessica Steen, the real-life ribs on hockey - much too violent, pro teams owned by faceless corporations, franchises in cities with little interest in the game - are lost in a bulky script attempting to survive on one-liners and bits that are put together like a puzzle with missing pieces. This slap shot ends up on the heel of the stick, bounces on the ice a few feet and slides aimlessly to a stop well before the empty net.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling; Brand: Abdullah the Butcher; Review: From 1982-1985, WCCW had the "It" factor; a syndicated-TV show - with state-of-the-art production - which aired main-event-quality matches, major shows which captivated national audiences and a Rock-n-Wrestling connection that did not make the talent into cartoon characters. Though, for some of the talent, it became a party to the abyss. And, when it all began to fall apart, there were oftentimes very tragic consequences. This two-disc set does a good job in capturing the growth of WCCW from a regional business into a powerhouse and its slide into irrelevance while it tried to hang on in the late 1980s as the independent WCWA and - from 1988-1990 - during the last gasp in the fatal merger with AWA and CWA. While the documentary on disc one fails to mention the 1986 oil crisis which depressed the territory and the major talent wars with the upstart, UWF, the candid commentary by the legendary Gary Hart makes for compelling viewing. And no matter how many times the tragedy surrounding the Von Erichs is told, it remains a sad journey of the perils when business - at all costs - takes precedence over family. The second disc - though Gino Hernandez is not in any of the bouts - features a good overview of the superior matches during the glory years; including the historic steel cage match of Kerry Von Erich versus Ric Flair and a steel cage match featuring two legends who invented hardcore, Bruiser Brody and Abdullah the Butcher. This is a must purchase for fans who fondly remember WCCW or those who want a better historical understanding of the great heights and dramatic demise of a company which had so much, but for many of the wrestlers, it was too much, too soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night of the Legends; Brand: ; Review: Though the event was held in August 1994 in Knoxville's Civic Coliseum, this evening of memories is an historic example of what territories - in this case, Tennessee - meant to fans and talent. With the DVD clocking in at 3 hours, 50 minutes, this is a moment in time that fans of old-school wrestling will enjoy, while being a great lesson to new fans on what the industry was before "entertainment" became the main event. The participants is a venerable who's who of international fame; Ronnie Garvin, Road Warrior Hawk, Terry Funk, Dory Funk, Jr., Rock-n-Roll Express and Terry Gordy. There is excellent feud summaries of Jim Cornette vs. Bob Armstrong and Thrillseekers vs. Heavenly Bodies, which ignited the territory for years, along with a special presentation for the Knoxville Wrestling Hall of Fame. This was truly a Night of the Legends and is a must for a pro wrestling fan's DVD library.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kevin VonErich Presents - Best of the VonErichs; Brand: Andre the Giant; Review: This is an outstanding DVD that gives long-time fans a nice trip down memory lane of the glory years of WCCW and is a must see for wrestling fans who were too young to remember when the industry was separated into territories. The production quality of WCCW remains cutting-edge, with these matches from 1983-1984. Kevin Von Erich and David Manning - a top referee for the company - provide the commentary, with matches featuring Kevin, Kerry and David in single's and six-man tag team bouts against the Fabulous Freebirds, Gentleman Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez. The WCCW library must be tremendous and I hope the DVD is part of an ongoing series taken from the syndicated TV shows and extravagnazas witnessed by upwards of 50,000 fans at the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Story of the Seabiscuit VHS; Brand: Shirley Temple; Review: If you are simply in search of a factual account of the life and times of Seabiscuit, this is not the DVD to consider. But this 1949 release delivers on a variety of other tracks to make it a nice addition to the collection. The movie includes rare race newsreel footage of Seabiscuit, is a great representative of Technicolor and has a script which features Shirley Temple. The fictional story is of Thoroughbred trainer Shawn O'Hara (Barry Fitzgerald) and his niece, Margaret (Temple), who arrive in America after the death of her brother, who was a jockey. O'Hara is the trainer of the young, gangly Seabiscuit and tries hard to convince owner Charles Howard (Pierre Watkin) that he has a possible champion in his stable. Meanwhile, Margaret falls in love with jockey Ted Knowles (Lon McCallister) and will marry him only if he gives up the sport. But Shawn O'Hara has a different plan; he feels Knowles aboard The Biscuit is a winning exacta and must convince his niece and Howard that his plan is the best for everyone. Howard is the only real person portrayed in the story and - in actuality - was impressed enough in the potential of Seabiscuit to purchase him from a major stable, who was using the young runner as a hard-knocker, racing him as often as possible at a number of tracks. A period piece when Hollywood would not let facts get in the way of a script, The Story of Seabiscuit enters the winner's circle by depicting triumph over tragedy and the fear brought on by self-doubt.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thunder and Reins; Brand: Gary Stevens; Review: The first Saturday in May is the celebration of American Thoroughbred racing, as the eyes of the world gazez upon the historic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. And what fans view are the finished products; perhaps not realizing that the maxiumum of 20 racers have made the grade from a total foal crop of 30,000-plus a mere three years before, with jockeys who have clawed their way to the top of the game while overcoming injuries and - for some - terrible personal demons, along with the trainers & owners, who spend years of blood, sweat and tears on trying to capture lightning in a jar for turf immortality. The DVD is an insider's view into the real story of the road to the most famous two-minutes in sports, with the glory, sadness and frustration captured as it happens. The run for the roses has many stories and the documentary does an outstanding job in capturing those special - and, oftentimes, very personal - moments that make the path a long and winding road for those good enough to chase the dream.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Le Mans VHS; Brand: Steve McQueen; Review: Nearly 40 years since its release, Le Mans remains the best racing film ever made, because the focus is on the cars and course of the greatest endurance event in motor sports. The major parts of the film were filmed during the June 1970 race, with cutting-edge technology used to provide the viewer a driver's view of the action. A Porsche 908/2 - which actor Steve McQueen had co-driven to a second place finish in the 12 Hours of Sebring - was entered in Le Mans by Solar Productions and equipped with movie cameras. The camera car was driven Herbert Linge and Jonathan Williams. With a believable, though minor, sub-plot on the tension between a wife and her husband concerning the risks & rewards from the sport, director Lee H. Katzin delivers a classic by allowing the pace of the race dictate the action.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Driven VHS; Brand: Sylvester Stallone; Review: In his first solo-writing credit since Rocky V, Sylvester Stallone cannot get this plodding drama, with the backdrop of CART open-wheel-racing, out of neutral. Stallone portrays a former open-wheel champion, Joe Tanto, who is brought onto a team to drive a second car and tutor hot-shot racer, Jimmy Bly (Kip Pardue); a star in the making, but whose ego is tossing away a golden opportunity for a title run and - perhaps - a career in the sport. Banal dialogue and a generic script - which could have been dropped into any setting - ruins the unprecedented access the producers had to the CART series. The technology oftentimes takes a secondary role to scenes which makes racing look like a demolition derby at the county fair. After seeing the film, top CART driver, Cristiano da Matta, joked that his car was always involved in spectacular wrecks. There was great potential to develop a film that would challenge the racing classics - Le Mans and Grand Prix - for the front row on the starting grid. But - ultimately - Driven needs to remain in the pits.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Last Action Hero VHS; Brand: Arnold Schwarzenegger; Review: Perhaps the most misunderstood movie released in the 1990s, The Last Action Hero is 130 minutes of tongue-in-cheek laughs at action adventures. Arnold Schwarzenegger is fantastic in his over-the-top performance as the perfect matinee-idol, Jack Slater. His biggest fan, Danny Madigan (Austin O'Brien) receives the chance of a lifetime to meet his fictional hero, through a magic ticket that transports him inside a Slater movie. But the movie villain swipes the ticket and escapes into the real world. Slater and Danny must stop the crook by traveling back to reality, where the bad guys are not scripted to lose in the "closing" scene. Directed by John McTiernan and featuring a great cast - F. Murray Abraham, Art Carney, Anthony Quinn, Ian McKellen - the special effects are dynamite, with dialogue that doesn't take things all that seriously. By Schwarzenegger flawlessly pulling off such one-liners - "Could I speak to the drug dealer of the house, please?" and "Sir, are you a henchman?" - this is clearly a romp through a timeless genre, with the emphasis on Fun.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Prix VHS; Brand: James Garner; Review: Capturing an era in Formula One where it wasn't if several drivers would be severely injured or killed during a season, but when and whom, this John Frankenheimer-directed winner of three Academy Awards (Best Sound Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Sound) masterfully captures the danger, triumph and tragedy of a season on the circuit. Utilizing footage from 1966 F1 season, with in-car - driven by Phil Hill - camera-footage from several events and appearances by Graham Hill, Jim Clark, Juan-Manuel Fangio and Jack Brabham, there is a documentary feel to every race sequence. The story is told through several drivers - Pete Aron (James Gardner), Scott Stoddard (Brian Bedford), Jean-Pierre Sarti (Yves Montand), Nino Barlini (Antonio Sabato) - and a journalist (Eva Marie Saint), with the plot having the feel of being pulled directly from the sports pages. Time has not placed Grand Prix in the pits of a period piece; it remains on the track of timeless classics.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 4 Film Favorites: Classic Horse Films (Black Beauty, National Velvet, International Velvet, The Story of Seabiscuit); Brand: Various; Review: With three classic releases that would appear on any tote board, it would be easy to call International Velvet a longshot which can be dismissed. But like Seabiscuit, getting past a quick initial glance will find a racer with the will of champion. Released in 1978, director Bryan Forbes tackles the sequel to National Velvet with a keen eye on a compelling script. Nanette Newman (a grown-up Velvet)and Tatum O'Neal (her niece) are wonderful in their roles, with the storyline centering on the niece striving to become an Olympic-caliber rider. Sir Anthony Hopkins portrays a veteran trainer who has seen many riders boast about such goals, but end up falling away when the going gets difficult. He has a special eye for talent, though, and there just may be unique potential with this young rider. These are four movies which families can enjoy together, but the life lessons can be appreciated by adults, as much as children.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Great Dan Patch; Brand: Charlotte Greenwood; Review: There was a time when Hollywood had a fascination of telling a story by featuring outstanding equine athletes. This 1949 release is a fictionalized account of the life of one of the greatest Standardbred racers of all time, Dan Patch. Dan Patch, 1896-1916, was a racing sensation, breaking world speed records at least 14 times. The pinnacle achievement was in 1906, blazing a one-mile time trial in 1-minute, 55-seconds, a record that was matched several times, but not broken until 1960. He was a sports celebrity, having endorsement deals for toys, cigars, washing machines and cars. And, like Thoroughbred legend, Seabiscuit, Dan Patch was not viewed early in his career as an emerging superstar. After one season of showing little promise, a local trainer (Oxford, Indiana), Johnny Wattles, began the slow process of uncovering the vast potential in this misunderstood pacer. The script strides away from the interesting true story into the typical track for the time period; a love story surrounding people who have the best interest of the racer in mind. Dan Patch's owner, chemist David Palmer (Dennis O'Keefe), has a spouse (Ruth Warrick) who cares very little about horses. The friction caused by her strong feelings eventually leads Palmer to Cissy Lathrop (Gail Russell), the daughter of trainer (John Hoyt). Actor, songwriter and attorney, Dr. Clarence Muse, a 1973 Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame inductee, is vastly underrated in his role of making the team click around Dan Patch. Even taking into account the many fictionalized scenes within this story, The Great Dan Patch keeps it all together through a performer who cannot read a single line or croon songs.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Back in the Day with Dale Jr. - The Complete Season One; Brand: Dale Earnhardt Jr.; Review: The series aired on Speed TV and was a winner from start to finish. The classic footage is a must for any racing fan and having Dale Jr. as the host was an angle that worked well. This is an outstanding DVD that merges the old-school with a new-school swagger.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coneheads VHS; Brand: Dan Aykroyd; Review: Graduating characters from sketches on Saturday Night Live to a feature-length movie is not new; but the timing was fascinating for the big-screen reprise of the family from the planet Remulak. Released in 1993, it seemed like the period of comedic relevance had passed by Beldar (Dan Akyroyd), Prymaat (Jane Curtin) and Connie (Michelle Burke). But armed with a neat movie tie-in with Subway, cameo appearances by many past SNL cast members and a script heavy in cartoonish skits, Coneheads was clearly pointed in the direction of a fun romp. Michael McKean and David Spade are the stumbling and bumbling antagonists, in their roles as officials of Immigration and Naturalization Services. There is a good dossage of special effects, but the monster, Garthok, steals the show in all of its low-grade madness. The main characters may have lost a bit of their edge from SNL, but that isn't the point; Coneheads keeps it light with laughs, while not taking itself too seriously.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 3: DALE EARNHARDT STORY; Brand: Barry Pepper; Review: There is more drama with these ESPN movies than on any NASCAR track, and this nominal biography of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., is not an exception to this very frustrating rule. Initially airing on December 11, 2004, the screenplay was not approved by Teresa Earnhardt or the Earnhardt family. Team owner Richard Childress - who had a longtime partnership/friendship with Dale, Sr. - sued ESPN for copyright infringement for using the logo associated with the race cars. Actor Barry Pepper does a good job in the lead role, in a script that inaccurately portrays the rivalry between Dale, Sr., and Darrell Waltrip. The pair - who battled on the track - became friends, with Waltrip driving for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated near the end of his career. The bonus footage is outstanding, which includes an ESPN documentary on the life & times of Dale, Sr., highlights from races and a feature on the making of the movie. But a Collector's Edition does not win through a support series and 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story, runs out of gas before reaching the finish line.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story; Brand: Barry Pepper; Review: There is more drama with these ESPN movies than on any NASCAR track, and this nominal biography of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., is not an exception to this very frustrating rule. Initially airing on December 11, 2004, the screenplay was not approved by Teresa Earnhardt or the Earnhardt family. Team owner Richard Childress - who had a longtime partnership/friendship with Dale, Sr. - sued ESPN for copyright infringement for using the logo associated with the race cars. Actor Barry Pepper does a good job in the lead role, in a script that inaccurately portrays the rivalry between Dale, Sr., and Darrell Waltrip. The pair - who battled on the track - became friends, with Waltrip driving for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated near the end of his career. The bonus footage is outstanding, which includes an ESPN documentary on the life & times of Dale, Sr., highlights from races and a feature on the making of the movie. But a Collector's Edition does not win through a support series and 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story, runs out of gas before reaching the finish line.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rushmore; Brand: Jason Schwartzman; Review: Director Wes Anderson crafts an excellent exploration in the gamut of emotions, with a cast that captures the essence of each moment, with an emphasis on stage presence. Each of the featured characters is scarred by one or more of the following: loss, lies and love. The juxtaposition throughout of how it affects the individual and the situation with others involved is subtle, yet vital. Jason Schwartzman is the rebellious teen, Max Fischer, whose life is structured around his extra-curricular responsibilities at Rushmore Academy. But he is teetering on expulsion due to poor grades, though he has a gift in playwriting and bringing people into his real-life drama. Bill Murray (school booster, Mr. Blume) and Olivia Williams (first grade teacher, Miss Cross), respectively, capture the hard work of a man who has built great wealth - in the steel industry - but has not forgotten where he came from and the young, overqualified teacher who has special, altruistic reasons to enter the field. With each scene building upon each other, there is not a wasted moment in the 93 minutes, with the climax being a rich and fitting means for the cast to take a bow. A soundtrack which highlights the sounds from the British Invasion adds a timeless, pop culture quality to this most perfect comedy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rock 'n' Roll High School VHS; Brand: P.J. Soles; Review: Take the serious cinema from the 1950s, which focused on teenage angst, merge it with punk rock and bring The Ramones into the mix as honorary students at a high school and it creates this timeless rave-up of the generational divide caused by rock-n-roll. The over-the-top acting and a script that doesn't take itself too seriously is the winning combination. The iron-fisted principal, two students who are snitches for the administration, out-of-touch parents and tough-talking police ultimately face a student body unified by music; through a teen talented in songwriting - who is thrust into a position of leadership - one "cool" teacher and a band looking to blow the roof off every night club (or school) with its high-octane, three-chord songs. The casting of The Ramones was masterful, as their music harkens back to the early days of rock-n-roll, but with a punk credo they created in the 1970s through legendary gigs in New York City clubs. The bonus features - including outtakes, commentary by producer Roger Corman & director Allan Arkush, along with the original theatrical trailer & radio ads - sends this set to the head of the class.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Triple H: King of Kings - There is Only One; Brand: Triple H; Review: Clocking in at a hefty 360 minutes, the body-of-work by HHH calls for even additional material; his career - so far - has meant that much to WWE and the industry. But this is a nice overview - with an emphasis on the ring, more than interview segments - as his matches feature rivals like Mankind, Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels (Armageddon 2002), Batista and Edge. Most pro wrestling DVDs are either brief snapshots of a career or company, simply due to the nature of the wealth of material that is available. King of Kings is about as good as it can get in presenting a ring autobiography on a top talent who is still walking the walk - and talking the talk - inside the squared-circle.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Juno; Brand: Ellen Page; Review: What makes this film a classic is how the sterotypical settings of life are depicted in an originality devoid of stereotype; this is a path which truly can be seen, touched and felt. While tackling the topic of teen pregnancy, the exploration of the daily race and grind - the track metaphor in the film is fitting - in what actually leads to graduating into adulthood is very real. The trails in life are plenty and Juno is a wonderful portrait in motion.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ultimate Bob Hope Collection: (The Great Lover / How to Commit Marriage / The Lemon Drop Kid; Brand: Bob Hope; Review: While not the place to look if one is seeking booklets of material, outtakes, interviews or other special features, this set of 10 movies delivers quality production and sound on each of the films. Though the packaging is quite bulky, it obviously can be rectified by purchasing any variety of DVD holders. Inexpensive should not be confused with cheap. This is an inexpensive means to supplement or compliment any DVD collection with some of the most popular and vastly underrated movies of Bob Hope.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home Run Derby - Volume 1; Brand: Mark Scott; Review: Talk about a stroll down memory lane, the episodes are from a TV show that was taped at Wrigley Field (a minor-league ballpark) in Los Angeles, California, and featured the home-spun commentary of Mark Scott and the distinct calls from umpire Art Passarella. Originally aired in 1959, the program has had nine-lives for the nine-inning contests, with it being shown in syndication, on Fox Sports Net, and on ESPN Classic, the last time being in 2005 on the latter. With such sluggers as Ernie Banks, Mickey Mantle, Frank Robinson, Willie Mays, Henry Aaaon and Rocky Colavito, it was truly a showcase of stars in a timeless game of seeing who can lay the heaviest lumber on the baseball. The DVD is the first of three volumes, which is the complete season of shows. This is a classic round-tripper that will keep the hot-stove league burning throughout the year.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home Run Derby - Volume 3; Brand: Mark Scott; Review: Talk about a stroll down memory lane, the episodes are from a TV show that was taped at Wrigley Field (a minor-league ballpark) in Los Angeles, California, and featured the home-spun commentary of Mark Scott and the distinct calls from umpire Art Passarella. Originally aired in 1959, the program has had nine-lives for the nine-inning contests, with it being shown in syndication, on Fox Sports Net, and on ESPN Classic, the last time being in 2005 on the latter. With such sluggers as Bob Cerv, Ken Boyer, Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, Willie Mays, Henry Aaaon and Gus Triandos, it was truly a showcase of stars in a timeless game of seeing who can lay the heaviest lumber on the baseball. The DVD is the third of three volumes, which is the complete season of shows. This is a classic round-tripper that will keep the hot-stove league burning throughout the year.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home Run Derby, Vol. 2; Brand: ; Review: Talk about a stroll down memory lane, the episodes are from a TV show that was taped at Wrigley Field (a minor-league ballpark) in Los Angeles, California, and featured the home-spun commentary of Mark Scott and the distinct calls from umpire Art Passarella. Originally aired in 1959, the program has had nine-lives for the nine-inning contests, with it being shown in syndication, on Fox Sports Net, and on ESPN Classic, the last time being in 2005 on the latter. With such sluggers as Harmon Killebrew, Mickey Mantle, Al Kaline, Willie Mays, Henry Aaaon and Duke Snider, it was truly a showcase of stars in a timeless game of seeing who can lay the heaviest lumber on the baseball. The DVD is the second of three volumes, which is the complete season of shows. This is a classic round-tripper that will keep the hot-stove league burning throughout the year.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cobb VHS; Brand: Tommy Lee Jones; Review: Ty Cobb was no angel in the outfield and writer/director Ron Shelton delivers a masterpiece on one of the most respected and reviled professional athletes ever. Tommy Lee Jones portrays Cobb in this no-holds-barred account of his final years, as cancer was destroying the "Georgia Peach" from the inside and his vile, crazed actions shredded any grudging respect that a controversial, all-time great should receive in the ninth-inning of life. Cobb biographer Al Stump is played by Robert Wuhl. Stump is as much a confidant as a writer attempting to piece together the real story from fiction, fact and fear fueled by Cobb's unstable rantings - oftentimes induced through a prodigious consumption of alcohol. At one point, in a rambling diatribe, Jones belts out the line, "Life's too short to be a diplomat." And that was Cobb coming in spikes-high into third base...on the diamond of life.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Semi-Pro; Brand: Jackie Earle Haley; Review: With more than a nod to the basketball comedy gem, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh, Will Ferrell leads the fast break into the waning days of two professional leagues. Set in 1976, Ferrell portrays Jackie Moon, the owner, head coach and starting forward of the fictional Flint (Michigan) Tropics during the final season of the American Basketball Association. But it's the rotting lumber on the old hardwood floor that deflates the predictable script. The lousy team must place in the top four of the final standings to join the National Basketball Association. A washed-up veteran, Ed Monix (Woody Harrelson), and wannabe dunk-master, Clarence "Coffee" Black (Andre Benjamin), are enlisted to assist Moon in shooting for the stars. The locker room humor that is oftentimes quite embarrassing and there is the feel of a desperate team that trails by five points with a few seconds left on the clock. With the plays drawn up by the screenplay writer, Scot Armstrong, there are some good moments, but simply not enough to steal a victory at the buzzer.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Magnificent Ambersons Colorized Version VHS; Brand: Dolores Costello; Review: This 1942 classic was written, produced and directed by Orson Welles (who is also the narrator) and based on the 1918 novel of the same name by Booth Tarkington. The movie chronicles the life of Isabel Amberson/Minafer (Dolores Costello) - a matriarch of an Indianapolis family dynasty - and her pompous son, George Minafer (Tim Holt), who destroys what has taken several generations to create due to his jealousies and greed. With the backdrop of old money and the new ways to seize a slice of the American Dream, it is a timeless story of a perilous journey on eroding trails in life during the heavy rains and cold crosswinds that are bringing permanent change. The original rough cut by Welles clocked in at an epic length of 2-hours, 28-minutes, but he ultimately lost control of the final editing to the studio, RKO. About one hour was deleted and a different ending was shot. There are no surviving prints of the rough cut. In 1991, the movie was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. It was included in Sight and Sound's 1972 and 1982 lists of the top 10 films ever made. This film deserves to be released in a special set that brings to the forefront its importance in cinematography.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Barbaro - A Nation's Horse; Brand: NBC Sports; Review: In 2007, a pair of television documentaries aired concerning the brilliant career and courageous battle for life by Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. This production by NBC Sports is narrated by Bob Costas. The documentary is split into seven sections and has bonus footage. It features full coverage of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes & Barbaro's five races that sparked his run for Triple Crown immortality. The interviews are with the individuals who are most associated with the champion; trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado, owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson and veterinarian Dr. Dean Richardson. The nearly 13 minutes that closes the documentary - The Recovery and Barbaro's Legacy - clearly demonstrates why this story will continue to resonate amongst people who hardly follow Thoroughbred racing. The inclusion of letters to Barbaro is especially touching. This is a wonderful tribute. Barbaro will remain forever's champion due to his will to live and the trust he placed in others, on and off the track.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tarzan Collection Starring Johnny Weissmuller: (Tarzan the Ape Man / Escapes / and His Mate; Brand: Johnny Weissmuller; Review: When it comes to setting the trail for Olympic champions to parlay gold medals to pop culture stardom, Johnny Weissmuller is the leader. The winner of five gold medals in swimming and one bronze medal in team water polo in The Games of 1924 and 1928, Weissmuller became the sixth cinematic Tarzan and starred in a dozen films. The six in this set are from 1932-1942 and are classic action adventures that typify the era in Hollywood. Weissmuller as Tarzan is always just moments ahead of an incredible disaster, with his cunning and athleticism working in tandem to win the day. Included is a documentary, which is as much as a nostalgic journey as historical and makes this collection king....in any setting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tarzan Collection: Volume 2 (Tarzan Triumphs / Tarzan's Desert Mystery / Tarzan and The Amazons; Brand: Johnny Weissmuller; Review: When it comes to clearing the path for major Olympic athletes to strike gold in pop culture, Johnny Weissmuller is the leader. Weissmuller earned 52 U.S. national swimming titles, while setting an incredible 67 world records and winning a total of five gold medals - and one bronze - in The Games of 1924 and 1928. He became the sixth cinematic Tarzan and starred in a dozen films. The six films in the second volume of the boxed-set retrospectives are Weissmuller's RKO performances from 1943-1948. The action adventures initially carry themes for the war years - Nazi soldiers as the bad guys - but then revert back to the exploitive explorers and traditional evil-doers. With his natural athleticism, Weissmuller as Tarzan always pulls out victory when it seems that doom will finally triumph. But getting to those final scenes is all the fun.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Working Girls; Brand: Louise Smith; Review: A 1986 independent film which won a Special Jury Prize the following year at the Sundance Film Festival, was written, directed, produced and edited by Lizzie Borden and centers on three women who are working in a Manhattan brothel. With a documentary feel to chronicling a day in their lives, the main characters are a struggling Yale graduate, a college student who has dreams of becoming a lawyer and one who is trying to accumulate enough money to start a business. What is captivating about the movie is Borden's story-telling technique; the women are as much psychologists and mothers to the men, but the danger is real when they cannot control every moment of an encounter. Based on a number of interviews with women and research which spanned six months, Borden presents a real portrayal of a profession which conjures up instantaneous opinions, which may be totally inaccurate.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami; Brand: .; Review: After the 1960 Summer Olympics, Cassius Clay was a heralded boxing gold medalist embarking on a professional career in Miami, Florida. In February 1964, the sports world witnessed Clay's incredible victory in Miami Beach over feared champion Sonny Liston and the world witnessed the birth of an icon who transcended the "sweet science," Muhammad Ali. This PBS documentary chronicles an oftentimes overlooked period in the development of Clay the fighter and Ali the man during his years in the Fifth Avenue Gym and living in Miami's Overtown district, a thriving black community which carried the moniker, "Harlem south." With special focus on legendary trainer Angelo Dundee and "The Fight Doctor," Dr. Ferdie Pacheco, the development of the extraordinary talents is shown like never before. Interviews with Overtown residents, neighbors and media members provides great insight in the growing social and political awareness of an athlete who had special focus in using his athletic prowess for a greater good. Ali biographer Thomas Hauser and journalist David Remnick utilize a historical context to bring many elements of this fascinating story together. Before he became king, a foundation was set in Miami. The legend comes to life like never before in this brilliant documentary.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cool Runnings VHS; Brand: Leon; Review: Loosely based on the long-shot Jamaican Bobsled Team that debuted in the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, this comedy delivers a storm of laughs, but also has an inspirational message. John Candy portrays a disgraced former bobsled competitor who finds redemption as the initially reluctant coach of the four-member squad. From team members who suffered great disappointment in other athletic endeavors to the doors nearly shut in their faces due to being outsiders in the world-class chess match of sports politics, this is a feel-good story on reaching for dreams and achieving victory in ways that cannot be measured simply by a stop watch. The message is universal and one that should be revisited by young people and adults on what gold medal performances actually mean in the game of life.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Leatherheads; Brand: George Clooney; Review: Harken back to the days when professional football was played on muddy fields by players who would rather brawl than run the gridiron with grace and the scoreboard was hard to see under the huge shadow cast by the major college game. George Clooney - director, producer, "co-writer" - stars in this comedy about the fictional Duluth Bulldogs (in the early NFL years, there was the Duluth Eskimos and Canton Bulldogs) and a league on the verge of financial ruin. The fate of pro football hinges on the signing of a former college superstar who is a combat hero. With the characters loosely based on iconic figures from the early years of the NFL - George "Papa Bear" Halas, John "Blood" McNally, Red Grange - Clooney, as team captain Dodge Connolly, weaves the pursuit of star Carter "the Bullet" Rutherford (John Krasinski), with the chase for attention from Lexie Littleton, a Chicago news reporter (Rene Zellweger). The slapstick draws from the 1920s-era films that had football as its backdrop, but the climax is the universal debate by fans of big market versus small market, with "free agency" in the controversy. It is a fun gridiron film that refuses to get too serious.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wall Street; Brand: Charlie Sheen; Review: Writer-director Oliver Stone aptly depicts the culture of corporate greed and those who lead that rat pack in an exploration of the morality of placing profits over people. Michael Douglas does a superb job in portraying corporate raider Gordon Gecko, a 1980s-era, larger-than-life figure who will stop at nothing to quench his thirst professionally and personally. Charlie Sheen is the young Wall Street broker who beats the odds to become a protege of this iconic figure, but becomes entwined in a web trust, truth and doing the right thing with his blue-collar father, played by Martin Sheen. The white-collar party seems to have no end, as those willing to play the game by day will be rewarded with riches that millions can only dream about. Life mirrors art as the price of pop culture glory is played off the harsh ramifications to the faceless living paycheck-to-paycheck on Main Street. It is - sadly - a timeless theme when Wall Street becomes a bunker for the greedy few and not an avenue for the many.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wall Street; Brand: ; Review: Writer-director Oliver Stone aptly depicts the culture of corporate greed and those who lead that rat pack in an exploration of the morality of placing profits over people. Michael Douglas does a superb job in portraying corporate raider Gordon Gecko, a 1980s-era, larger-than-life figure who will stop at nothing to quench his thirst professionally and personally. Charlie Sheen is the young Wall Street broker who beats the odds to become a protege of this iconic figure, but becomes entwined in a web trust, truth and doing the right thing with his blue-collar father, played by Martin Sheen. The white-collar party seems to have no end, as those willing to play the game by day will be rewarded with riches that millions can only dream about. Life mirrors art as the price of pop culture glory is played off the harsh ramifications to the faceless living paycheck-to-paycheck on Main Street. It is - sadly - a timeless theme when Wall Street becomes a bunker for the greedy few and not an avenue for the many.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Season 1; Brand: Lena Headey; Review: In an era of reality shows, lawyers and crime scenes, a short-season - nine episodes - Sci Fi series based on a movie franchise seemed to be filler that may not have a future. Wrong. The program was a winner on a number of levels, which the 3-discs aptly depicts; along with the entire first season, there is commentary on selected shows, audition tapes and other special features, including deleted scenes. The cast is what truly makes the series, as Lena Headley (Sarah), Thomas Dekker (John) and Richard T. Jones (FBI agent James Ellison) are perfect for their key roles. Summer Glau (cyborg protector) and Garret Dillahunt (T-888 hunter) have characters that push the action forward, but do not overshadow the human aspects of the story. There is a vast potential for this TV series and the Blu-ray edition shows why this sleeper was a huge surprise hit.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cambridge Spies; Brand: Tom Hollander; Review: Philby, Burgess, MacLean, Blunt. The four names associated with one of the most embarrassing episodes in Western politics. Moles burrowed deeply within the political mechanisms of Great Britain and the British Secret Service. This BBC mini-series dramatization captures the life and times of the spies through the 1930s to the Cold War. The tone is sympathetic - idealists waging war against fascism, but get snarled the web of a bigger game - but the programs capture the period and oftentimes strange political alliances that swirled as Europe dragged itself into what became a global war. Actors Toby Stephens (Philby), Samuel West (Blunt), Rupert Penry-Jones (MacLean) and Tom Hollander (Burgess) provide outstanding portrayals of their characters. The vast 240 minutes spanning two discs include a documentary that aired on the History Channel which covers the foursome as traitors, hence there is some balance within a historical - not entertainment - context. Whether viewed as villains or products of a shadowy period driven by perceptions of good versus evil, this is a fascinating gaze into the rise and fall of the secret servants.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: They Live; Brand: Roddy Piper; Review: John Carpenter wrote the screenplay and directed this 1988 Science Fiction/Horror film that is based on Ray Nelson's 1963 short story, Eight O'Clock in the Morning. With elements of the common hero versus a corrupt society - with ample amounts of wit tossed into the mix - it packs a punch from that time period - the "me" generation and the "greed is good" of the 1980s - but with a twist; the elite are aliens who are managing human society through the use of subliminal media advertising and the manipulation of economic opportunity. Roddy "Hot Rod" Piper is the hero - Nada - who finds the truth while in Los Angeles by viewing things through a pair of sunglasses. His quest then begins in earnest to convince others of what really propels life. There is a timeless message in Carpenter's work and Piper turns in a strong performance. "They" may be around in different disguises, but Carpenter shows how the puppeteers can make many shake their hips to the greed twist.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Popeye; Brand: ; Review: Director Robert Altman takes a playful route in the musical comedy of this famous cartoon character, his pals and adversaries. Robin Williams - in his movie debut - is brilliantly funny as Popeye. with Olive Oyl portrayed very well by Shelley Duvall. And Popeye is a "hit" in Sweethaven; he defeats a gang of punks in J. Wellington Wimpy's (Paul Dooley) burger bar, puts a stop to the schemes of a greedy tax-man and defeats a champion - but rules-breaking -boxer. But it's the confrontations with the tough Bluto (Paul L. Smith) that will define the life of the Sailor Man. In an animated cartoon slide to start the film, Popeye blurts out, "Hey! What is this, another one of Bluto's tricks?! I'm in the wrong movie!" No tricks here and there are plenty of treats in this vastly underrated film.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Daredevil (Director's Cut) / Elektra [DVD]; Brand: ; Review: Director Mark Steven Johnson truly explores the shadowy aspects of justice and vigilantism in the additional 30 minutes added to the film, along with some other tweaks. The scene which didn't make the final cut from producer Gary Foster and 20th Century Fox studio is attorney Matt Murdock (Daredevil) - portrayed by Ben Affleck - defending a murder suspect, who is played by rapper Coolio. The violence is also amped up which earned the revised film an "R" rating, a path not taken to movie theaters by comic book super heroes and movie studios. Colin Farrell (Bullseye) and Michael Clarke Duncan (The Kingpin) are excellent in their roles as villains, with Jennifer Garner (Elektra Natchios) able to show a different side of the character in this grittier version. Director's have to be daredevils at times in the editing process and this Director's Cut aptly shows - again - who knows best when it comes to delivering a solid film.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Elektra; Brand: Jennifer Garner; Review: Jennifer Garner reprises a major character in the Daredevil movie for this comic book-styled romp in the martial arts. Elektra (Garner) is a hired assassin who refuses to go forward with an assigned hit, which doesn't sit well with an evil organization. The shadows that twists and turns the soul of Elektra are not heavily delved into, as the focus is on action. Garner has a striking presence, but is underutilized due to the character never fully stepping away from the comics. The bonus material is outstanding, with a documentary on the character - which includes an interview with Frank Miller - and an in-depth "making of" documentary and film commentary by director Rob Bowman and editor Kevin Stitt. Ultimately, though, there was potential missed to turn Elektra into a solid movie franchise.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: So Smart!: Shapes; Brand: ; Review: By not straying away from the wit and energy of the original TV series, the adventures of Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) and Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) remain just plain fun. The hijinks involves CONTROL versus the evil KAOS, which is led by Siegfried (Terence Stamp) and has as one of the henchmen current World Wrestling Entertainment star Dalip "The Great Khali" Singh. Former WWE Superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson plays Agent 23 and the good guys are spearheaded by The Chief (Alan Arkin). It is a race against time for Max and friends to figure out how KAOS is getting its hands on nuclear weapons and piece together the devious plot to hold America hostage for a huge ransom. And through all the bumbling and stumbling leads to an ending with Max (oh, no!) trying to confidently get through the CONTROL security doors. The spy parody is a thriller and a winner.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Get Smart; Brand: ; Review: By not straying away from the wit and energy of the original TV series, the adventures of Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) and Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) remain just plain fun. The hijinks involves CONTROL versus the evil KAOS, which is led by Siegfried (Terence Stamp) and has as one of the henchmen current World Wrestling Entertainment star Dalip "The Great Khali" Singh. Former WWE Superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson plays Agent 23 and the good guys are spearheaded by The Chief (Alan Arkin). It is a race against time for Max and friends to figure out how KAOS is getting its hands on nuclear weapons and piece together the devious plot to hold America hostage for a huge ransom. And through all the bumbling and stumbling leads to an ending with Max (oh, no!) trying to confidently get through the CONTROL security doors. The spy parody is a thriller and a winner.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Get Smart; Brand: Steve Carell; Review: By not straying away from the wit and energy of the original TV series, the adventures of Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) and Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) remain just plain fun. The hijinks involves CONTROL versus the evil KAOS, which is led by Siegfried (Terence Stamp) and has as one of the henchmen current World Wrestling Entertainment star Dalip "The Great Khali" Singh. Former WWE Superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson plays Agent 23 and the good guys are spearheaded by The Chief (Alan Arkin). It is a race against time for Max and friends to figure out how KAOS is getting its hands on nuclear weapons and piece together the devious plot to hold America hostage for a huge ransom. And through all the bumbling and stumbling leads to an ending with Max (oh, no!) trying to confidently get through the CONTROL security doors. The spy parody is a thriller and a winner.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars; Brand: ; Review: The August 2008 release is set between Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It is a stand-alone story and - crucially - was designed as an introduction to a weekly animated TV series of the same name. The animation-style has the look of Japanese anime and manga, while giving a nod to the supermarionation of the classic British 1960s series, Thunderbirds. The fight scenes are visually stunning in this presentation, though the dialogue to push the story forward often suffers from being quite stilted. What makes for a successful TV series does not necessarily translate to the large screen (the reverse is also true). While obviously aimed at younger audiences and as a marketing tool, it does not set the foundation to propel this Star Wars universe concept into a remarkable movie franchise.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: iCarly: Season 1, Vol. 2; Brand: Miranda Cosgrove; Review: This is a nice compilation for children who enjoy the outstanding program that typically delivers a subtle message on doing the right thing when confronting a problem, though past episodes do air on a very regular basis. Miranda Cosgrove is an outstanding young actress and - make no mistake - the program is built around her, but her co-stars (Jennette McCurdy, Nathan Kress, Jerry Trainor) are outstanding in their roles. A neat nod to Mary Tyler Moore seems to play-out in the show's opener, as Cosgrove tosses her hat in the air while in a celebratory mood. There are few shows that are truly for kids, but this one gets an A-plus.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Birdy VHS; Brand: Matthew Modine; Review: This powerful 1984 film is directed by Alan Parker and explores the shadows of the soul and the aftermath of war. Based on a novel of the same name by author William Wharton, the plot focuses on boyhood friends Birdy (Matthew Modine) and Al Columbato (Nicolas Cage) who serve in Vietnam. The war experience ultimately rips to shreds what was already a fragile psyche of Birdy - whose fixation with birds now has him believing that he is a bird - and he is sent to a mental hospital for treatment. Columbato - who was also injured in the war - goes beyond the call of duty to help his friend find his way "home." The use of numerous flashback scenes of their life together as teenagers during the 1960s makes for a dynamic reminder of the potential of youth and the end of the innocence. The film was awarded the Grand Prize of the Jury at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival. The movie depicts the perilous path in life and the minefield of trying to bring back into focus the signposts from a lost psychological stability.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Greatest Game Ever Played; Brand: ; Review: The ESPN special that aired nationally on December 13, 2008, was a fabulous walk onto a gridiron of dreams and the piecing together of an incredible historical moment for professional football. In cooperation with NFL Films, ESPN Films produced this special look back on the 1958 NFL Championship, which was captured in overtime by the visiting Baltimore Colts over the New York Giants, 23-17, in the cavernous Yankee Stadium, with a powerful one-yard run by fullback Alan Ameche. Utilizing a number of sources for film, NFL Films essentially rebuilt the game; it was mastered for HD and digitally colored. Host Chris Berman fills in the gaps in the play and smartly tackles the task in a low-key, serious approach. For additional commentary, players from the contest are teamed with players from the recent Super Bowl championship squads of the Giants and Indianapolis Colts. Colts legend Art Donovan and the recently retired Giants great Michael Strahan steal those segments through solid takes and allowing their great personalities to reach paydirt. Kickers Pat Summerall and Adam Vinatieri - another Giants-Colts pairing - provide valuable insight on this often overlooked specialty. The excitement and appreciation for the game shows with cerebral Colts coach Tony Dungy and the vivid details from radio announcer Bob Woolf is worth the price of admission. A fascinating look into the science of measuring a first down from a half-century ago is explained through a controversial run by Frank Gifford, as the Giants failed to put the game on ice as the clock ticked down to the closing minutes. In the melee - which included a delay due to Colt defensive end Gino Marchetti breaking his leg - allegations flew from the Giants that the football was moved back by a Colt player or the spot was incorrect by officials. Technology definitely answers the questions surrounding the play. An estimated 45 million people watched the game on TV, but it was blacked out in the greater New York City area because it was not sold out. And if a pulled plug wasn't fixed in a unique way during overtime, NBC may have had a mess of "Heidi Bowl" proportions. Summerall joked about the number of people who have told him that they attended the game. Through this DVD, future generations will have a real cozy seat for one grand slam of a duel on the frozen tundra in "The House That Ruth Built."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Flying Scotsman; Brand: Jonny Lee Miller; Review: Based on the Graeme Obree autobiography of the same name, the movie (starring Jonny Lee Miller as Obree) juxtaposes the innovations developed by the gifted athlete/inventor with his battles against personal demons that were poised on every lap to derail a cycling career. Utilizing a revolutionary position for his arms and using washing-machine parts on his bike - "Old Faithful" - Obree set the world distance record for one hour in 1993 and 1994, along with capturing a world championship in individual pursuit. The film focuses on the singular vision of Obree in developing new riding techniques and its consequences when he becomes a sensation on the international stage, along with delving into the psychological scars from being bullied as a youth. The idea of bike as an escape mechanism - he flees the bullies on a bike and is in solitude when on the track as an adult - is fascinating, but ultimately cannot speed past the movie cliches of an underdog against the establishment and falls flat with some unsettling attempts at comic relief. The velodrome scenes carry a special intensity, but the story may ultimately stall for those who do not know the back story of Obree and the real-life politics in world class cycling.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stomp the Yard; Brand: Chris Brown; Review: The choreography is visually impressive and carries a mostly plodding script on tragedy, redemption and the power of friendship/love which centers on DJ Williams (Columbus Short) and his journey from Los Angeles to Truth University in Atlanta. Williams is torn from his family after an evening that goes terribly wrong - his brother is murdered in the aftermath of an underground krumping competition - and his mother sends him to Atlanta to live with an aunt and uncle. There is tension on the campus grounds as Williams pursues his love interest, April Palmer (Meagan Good), while attempting to achieve new personal growth, though his talent in dancing may ultimately prove to be the path to triumph. The morality play has no real twists that would keep the ending in suspense, though the message of doing the right thing - no matter what the odds - is refreshing.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow; Brand: Dennis Quaid; Review: When the movie made its big-screen debut in 2004 - and continuing with the various DVD releases - debate oftentimes degenerated into questioning the actual validity of the global warming/cooling that is depicted, while seemingly forgetting that this is a Sci-Fi action adventure. It would be like giving opinions on The Da Vinci Code and One Million Years B.C. as if the films are based on historical facts. Produced, directed and co-written by Roland Emmerich, the special effects are absolutely incredible, but the story stumbles due to the generic characters that can plague this genre; arrogant politicians, misunderstood scientists and practical voices continually lost in the wilderness of society. Dennis Quaid is climatologist Jack Hall who valiantly tries to make the top political leaders in Washington, D.C., understand the harsh ramifications of the emerging storms worldwide. After tackling this tough task, he sets forth on a journey through massive ice and snow to rescue his son (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), who is trapped in New York City. Throughout the sojourn, both characters play off the themes of friendship, family and the will to survive. There is a nice mix of special features - including scenes edited out of the film - that are interesting. But the storms steal the show and wash away a script that was built around the big bang of special effects and had cardboard cut-outs for characters.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band VHS; Brand: Peter Frampton; Review: Entertainment industry impresario Robert Stigwood had an incredible winning formula for merging music with film in Saturday Night Fever and Grease. But there was also this movie that delivered a crippling financial blow to his international RSO empire. The 1978 musical starred a pair of Billboard chart monsters - Peter Frampton and the Bee Gees - in a thin story line that ties into the classic album of the same name by the Beatles. The last scene - "Our Guests at Heartland" - is the most fun, as it is a fitting tribute to the classic album cover and features an incredible cast that includes Tina Turner, George Harrison, Donovan, Linda McCartney and Heart. But to get to that point means to view director Michael Schultz pouring on the glitz, though nothing can ultimtately save the exploits of Frampton (Billy Shears) and the Gibb brothers from the incredibly weak script that centers on keeping the musical magic going in Heartland, U.S.A.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dear Mr. Fantasy Featuring the Music of Jim Capaldi and Traffic: A Celebration for Jim Capaldi; Brand: Steve Winwood; Review: This is not only a salute to the brilliance of the late Jim Capaldi; it is a wonderful look at artists who truly believe that music can deliver special meaning for the young who are in need. The concert was held in January 2007 and covers the solo and Traffic careers of Capaldi, while raising funds for The Landmark Trust, a children's charity. There is an incredible list of performers - including Paul Weller, Joe Walsh, Pete Townshend, Steve Winwood, Jon Lord, Gary Moore, Simon Kirke and Yusuf Islam - and each are given the space to shine. Truly, any egos are left at the door. Capaldi was an artful lyricist, but is a vastly underrated drummer, who skillfully brought jazz elements to the British music scene. This is classic rock that is truly "classic."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deal; Brand: Monty Hall; Review: The DVD is a late-1970s documentary of the popular game show hosted by Monty Hall - who was also co-producer and co-creator - that aired (the original series) in daily and nighttime syndication from 1963-1977. It is a fantastic insider's look at the production of the program; every facet is covered, even the process of selecting contestants to appear in an episode. Hall and announcer Jay Stewart are prominently featured in interview segments, which makes this a combination of a fascinating trip into pop culture nostalgia and an excellent historical piece for those interested in or studying facets of the entertainment industry. With "The Lovely" Carol Merrill - who modeled the various prizes - Hall had a winning formula for many years. Until the old episodes are packaged into DVD collections for release, this will be the best outlet to see what made the "Big Deal of the Day" a winner.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: They All Laughed VHS; Brand: Audrey Hepburn; Review: Peter Bogdanovich co-wrote the screenplay, directed and eventually funded the release of this romantic comedy which featured the acting debut of Dorothy Stratten. But the August 1980 death of Stratten - at age 20 - in a murder/suicide perpetrated by her estranged husband made studios leery on releasing the movie. Though Bogdanovich saw the project through to its cinematic release, it proved to be a box office failure. The plot surrounds three private detectives who are hired to investigate two women for possible infidelity. That the detectives end up romantically pursuing the duo just adds to the intrigue...and that the women ultimately turn the tables on the men is pure New Hollywood. John Ritter (Detective John Rutledge) is Stratten's (Dolores Martin) "pursuer" and both bring an energetic, fun aspect to their roles. Detective John Russo (Ben Gazzara) is in hot pursuit of Angela Niotes (Audrey Hepburn), the wife of a European multi-millionaire, but he gets an assist from his colleague - Detective Arthur Brodsky (Blaine Novak) - as things get more and more complicated. With New York City as the backdrop, it is a neat exploration into trust, the game of love and the pursuit of real happiness. The sadness is in the untimely death of Stratten, but it does not diminish her performance or the wittiness of the film.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Who At Kilburn: 1977; Brand: Austin Stoker; Review: ; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Batman: Gotham Knight; Brand: Corey Burton; Review: What an ambitious project; six interlocking short films from six directors with the outstanding animation based on Japanese Anime art. The stories - Have I Got a Story For You, Crossfire, Field Test, In Darkness Dwells, Working Through Pain, Deadshot - capture a variety of angles in the life of Bruce Wayne and the conflicting elements in keeping the peace in Gotham City as Batman. There are a variety of bonus features, depending on the DVD set that is purchased, including the documentary, Batman and Me: The Bob Kane Story, and four episodes of Batman: The Animated Series. This is a fantastic work of art that is solidly placed in the small front pack of classic material that explains and celebrates the life and times of the iconic crime fighter.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rabbit-Proof Fence; Brand: Kenneth Branagh; Review: Based on a true story, the film chronicles one account from Australia's ''Stolen Generation'' and the powerful yearning for freedom and family During a period of around 100 years, Aboriginal children were removed from their homes and placed in government institutions that had been established to train them to be domestic workers. The movie is set in the early-1930s and centers on Molly Craig (played by Everlyn Sampi), age 14, who had been taken - with a younger sister and cousin - 1,500 miles from their home in Jigalong to the Moore River Native Settlement, north of Perth. Craig led the girls in an escape and they walked back home - while being pursued by Aboriginal trackers - by following a rabbit-proof fence. This is an incredibly moving story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia; Brand: Joe Manganiello; Review: This is the second sequel of the outstanding 2001 film, Behind Enemy Lines (Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson), that has gone direct-to-DVD route. Co-produced by WWE studios, it stars pro wrestler Ken "Mr. Kennedy" Anderson as a Navy SEAL who leads a small number of his brethren in a hostage rescue mission in Columbia and battle corrupt special forces of that nation. It is a 1980s-styled combat thriller, with Anderson a larger-than-life hero, with his decisions being made against incredible odds, but with the focus that good will ultimately triumph over evil. There are enough explosions to keep the pretty formalistic plot moving forward at a rapid pace, which should appeal to fans of this genre who are not pro wrestling fans. Where the large-screen WWE productions featuring wrestling stars like Steve Austin, John Cena and Kane proved to be box office failures, they did have surprisingly solid DVD sales. These movies are obviously targeted for a cross-over appeal to wrestling fans, but this direct-to-DVD approach may be the way to reach a wider audience much more quickly.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wwe: A Tribute to the Troops; Brand: ; Review: Any pro wrestling DVD is a snapshot of a particular moment in time, with a "main event" storyline possibly stale before the material reaches the stores. But these events chronicled on two DVD's are much more than the typical releases...or matches. The talent may appear in character, but they toss the soap opera-styled scripts aside for these special events, while reminding fans at home of the sacrifices from the men and women in the military. The matches are from the 2003 and 2004 tours, along with bonus material that includes tour highlights from the WWE program, Confidential. The performers include Undertaker, Hardcore Holly, Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, John Cena and Big Show, along with several of the WWE Divas. The set is oftentimes difficult to find, but is one of the best releases in the bulky DVD catalog of the company.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Visions Of Diana Ross VHS 1985; Brand: ; Review: This is a release that must be approached at a number of angles by a potential buyer. For long-time fans of Diana Ross, the reissue of the 1985 VHS tape may be a good purchase just to update the collection. For newer fans, it is a solid look at Ross during a period of mostly solid productivity in the studio for RCA Records, while embracing the music video revolution with style and class. Three of the six songs reached the top ten on the single's pop chart - Why Do Fools Fall In Love (#7, 1981), Muscles (#10, 1982) and Missing You (#10, 1985), the touching tribute to Marvin Gaye - with Pieces of Ice (#31, 1983) and the top twenty releases, Swept Away and All of You (w/ Julio Iglesias), completing the collection. But the 31 minutes is only the music videos. With nearly 25 years since the release, it would seem obvious that some background information into each selection would have been a welcome - and an important - addition to the production. The historical perspective is lost by simply airing one video after another, since music is not created in a vacuum. The DVD could have expanded on the artistic vision of Ross, but ends up being a period piece that could have delivered so much more.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Heavy Metal 2000 VHS; Brand: Michael Ironside; Review: Based on the graphic novel, The Melting Pot, the sequel to the 1981 movie Heavy Metal focuses on the thirst for power and personal immortality, no matter the ramifications of evil that will be unleashed in the universe. The evil orb of doom (Loc-Nar) from the original film is prominent in the storyline, with Tyler (voice of Michael Ironside) - and his twisted vision - facing off against Julie (voice of Julie Strain), as reptilian beings, robots and a talking rock propel the action to a final showdown. The artwork is solid and the script is more focused than its predecessor, due to it not being an anthology of stories. A timeless quest makes the space opera cinema out of this world.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Death Racers; Brand: Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope; Review: Directed by Roy Knyrim, this wild action adventure set in the future stars ICP and professional wrestler Scott "Raven" Levy in a no-holds-barred, cross-country race where the winners may be the sole survivors. As the United States further degenerates into a cesspool of crippling pollution and violent crime, the "opiate" of the masses is a car race from New York City to San Francisco, with the only rules being to start on time and try to reach the finish line, by any means necessary. The rides are customized by the drivers and are designed to dish out punishment on the opponents in this crazed amalgamation of a totalitarian government, reality TV and pop culture. The present is the path of roadway under the wheels and the future is in the rear view mirrors of this direct-to-video that breathes fire into familiar Sci-Fi themes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Girl 6 VHS; Brand: Theresa Randle; Review: Judy has a life in free-fall. Her ex-husband is light years from being career-orientated, her best friend is a wannabe sports memorabilia dealer and she has just suffered through a "job" interview with a slick-talking movie director who has his eyes on the casting couch more than looking for the next big star. And now her nominal agent is going to be upset that she walked out on this "big break" that he set up all for her. But all that drama is not helping Judy pay the bills and put food on the table. So she decides to answer an employment ad in a newspaper that promises the opportunity to make great cash through work over the telephone. And this is where Judy (portrayed by Theresa Randle) becomes Girl 6, the phone sex operator. Directed by Spike Lee - with the screenplay by Suzan-Lori Parks - it is an oftentimes funny, but also quite serious and sometimes disturbing look into a woman who truly becomes a number as she tries to chase her dream of an acting career. The plot goes full-circle, with Judy learning as much about herself as how the game is played on the fringes of the "entertainment" industry, along with a demoralizing gaze into the anonymity of life and the manipulation by depersonalizing the individual. It truly is a look into the emptiness of talk, talk.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Superman: Doomsday; Brand: Adam Baldwin; Review: The excellent direct-to-video animated film was released on September 18, 2007 - though it aired on a cartoon-orientated channel several months beforehand - and is based on the main story lines in The Death of Superman, World Without Superman and Return of Superman. The 75 minutes are basically split into Superman's battle against Doomsday (both die), the cloning of Superman by Lex Luthor and the "rebirth" of Superman, which leads to his fight with the formidable "Superclone." There are some nice twists in the plot - with an interesting exploration into revenge, vigilantism and the manipulation of power - and a surprise ending for Superman/Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Lex Luthor. Adam Baldwin (the voice of Kal-El, Clark Kent, Superman and "Superclone"), Anne Heche (Lois Lane) and James Masters (Lex Luthor) are outstanding in interpreting their characters. At one point, Luthor proclaims, "It would seem you can't be destroyed after all Superman," but that appears to be a calculated pause in the diabolical plans of this ultimate villain during his march to supreme power.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doomsday; Brand: Rhona Mitra; Review: Written and directed by Neil Marshall, the Sci-Fi action adventure plods through the terrain of several classics in the genre - Mad Max (1979), Escape from New York (1981) - while failing to seize its own identity. The outstanding performance of actress Rhona Mitra - Major Eden Sinclair, who has a cybernetic eye - is wasted on a familiar story line of a hideous virus, an evil government and survivors trying to forge a new society. The virus infects Scotland, which is walled-off by the British government in what appears to be a successful quarantine, though the trapped population is dying off. Years later, the virus appears in London, which sends the government scrambling to "find" a cure for their citizens. Enter Sinclair, who leads a team into the remnants of Scotland to find medical researcher Dr. Kane (Malcolm McDowell), who was reportedly working on a cure before being isolated by the quarantine. There are medieval knights loyal to Kane, a cannibalistic tribe and other obstacles standing in the way of Sinclair and the truth. And then there are political leaders waiting for Sinclair who can't handle the truth. Mitra is masterful, but this apocalyptic look into the future is actually some clone wars from some past reels on the big screen.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Barbarella VHS; Brand: Jane Fonda; Review: This 1968 Sci-Fi movie - based on the adult (French) comic, Barbarella, by Jean-Claude Forest - is a hilarious romp for Jane Fonda (Barbarella) in a journey that is truly out of this world. Set in the 40th Century - and seemingly a time where psychedelic "blob" patterns are really cool - Barbarella is on a journey from Earth to the planet SoGo to locate the famous Dr. Durand Durand (Milo O'Shea). The mission penetrates deeply into Barbarella; she has "contact" with a human resident on SoGo, meets and greets an angel, Pygar (John Phillip Law), and has an incredible experience with the Excessive Machine. The tongue-in-cheek fun has propelled the movie into the galaxy of cult classics, with an orbit that defies time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Day the Earth Stood Still VHS; Brand: Michael Rennie; Review: Inspired by the short story "Farewell to the Master" by Harry Bates, screenwriter Edmund H. North penned a timeless gaze into the the raw - and manipulated - emotions that yield distrust, hate and war on a global scale. Director Robert Wise stresses dialogue in this Sci-Fi classic that was released in 1951 which centers on the pilot of a flying saucer - Klaatu (Michael Rennie) - and its robot guard - Gort (Lock Martin) - and a message for a world in conflict. Though the backdrop is the real Cold War and Atomic Age, the terror is through ignorance, rather than heroism through defeating an "enemy." Klaatu - after landing in Washington, D.C. - views society through a variety of individuals; Major White (Robert Osterloh), Helen and Bobby Benson (Patricia Neal, Billy Gray), Tom Stevens (Hugh Marlowe), Prof. Jacob Barnhardt (Sam Jaffe), who each bring a different dynamic into play. But a chill is in the air as hearts harden and minds close to an everlasting peace to reign supreme. In the end it's might that makes right and Klaatu issues a stark warning on the consequences of bringing the senseless conflicts to the universe, "The decision rests with you." And it still does, after all these years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Martian Chronicles VHS; Brand: Rock Hudson; Review: Ray Bradbury publicly blasted the TV mini-series that's based on his 1950 Sci-Fi story collection, but writer Richard Matheson pens a solid adaptation that is marred by a less-than-stellar aesthetics, which is surprising because media heavyweights NBC and the BBC were backing the production. Actor Rock Hudson portrays Colonel Wilder, a character created for the mini-series, which clocks in at nearly five hours for the three episodes. The cast includes Darren McGavin, Bernadette Peters, Bernie Casey, Roddy McDowell and Fritz Weaver. The first episode concerns the three expeditions to Mars and Wilder's life-and-death decision. The colonization of the planet and its ramifications for the Martians is the story line for the second episode. The final episode juxtaposes post-World War III on Earth and life on Mars for the few humans who remain in scattered "families." Directed by Michael Anderson, it may not be as bad as Bradbury vocally stated, but the overuse of the suspension of disbelief due to a lack of proper sets is a major distraction.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lost World VHS; Brand: Michael Rennie; Review: The 2-for-1 includes the 1960 and 1925 silent film versions of the iconic story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle about an area in the Amazon rain forest where dinosaurs still roam and riches could be had for those who can make it out alive. Director Irwin Allen handles the 1960 version, which is short on special effects, but has a solid cast: Claude Rains and Michael Rennie portraying anthropologists Prof. George E. Challenger and Lord John Roxton, respectively, David Hedison as newspaper reporter Ed Malone and Jill St. John as Jennifer Holmes, the daughter of a top newspaper executive. Challenger is in pursuit of the mysterious surrounding the land that takes the world back to millions of years ago, while Roxton is snooping around for clues concerning the mysterious disappearance of a great explorer. And their lives get real difficult when they become stranded in this land of man-eaters. The film placed fifth in the Top Action Drama category for the 1961 Laurel Awards, which were published in Motion Picture Exhibitor magazine. The silent film is a nice gem and features the genius of Willis O. Brien with special effects. The bonus material brings unique focus on Brien's cutting-edge work. There are leapin' lizards and creepin' villagers and the set is a nice look into the Hollywood vision of the Sci-Fi genre from different signposts over the years.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: It Came from Outer Space VHS; Brand: Richard Carlson; Review: The Ray Bradbury story - the screenplay was written by Harry Essex - is driven by the fear of the unknown, hate and the yearning to go home. Directed by Jack Arnold, the 3-D movie was released in 1953. Amateur astronomer John Putnam (Richard Carlson) and schoolteacher Ellen Fields (Barbara Rush) view a "meteor" crash outside Sand Rock, Arizona, that turns out to be an alien spaceship. The craft is buried by a landslide, so with tangible proof gone, the town residents think Putnam and Fields have been watching too many scary flicks and are dreaming things up. But feelings change when residents vanish for short periods of time and return in a robot-like state. Sheriff Matt Warren (Charles Drake) - who initially feels the story is a hoax - gets investigating, while Putnam picks up clues to get on the trail to locate the craft. And what comes out of Putnam's search is alien explorers who want to repair their ship and leave Earth without causing panic. But it may be too late to give peace a chance. With the backdrop being the emotional tidal wave of the Cold War, the movie shows that turning up the emotions without thinking clearly about the situation and ramifications is a perilous skate on thin ice....with no turning back.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 2010: The Year We Make Contact VHS; Brand: Roy Scheider; Review: Nine years after the failure of the Discovery mission to Jupiter - and with the Cold War heating up - a joint Soviet-American operation takes flight to seek answers for a number of questions; what went wrong with Discovery, what happened to astronaut David Bowman and what is the Monolith that orbits the planet. But complications soon arise when the USA and USSR essentially enter into a state of war. The U.S. crew members are ordered into the abandoned Discovery, but will the warfare on Earth ultimately place roadblocks on peace in space and the cooperation in science and technology? HAL and Bowman just may have the last word in the matter. Based on 2010: Odyssey Two by Arthur C. Clarke, the book and movie are sequels to the iconic 2001: A Space Odyssey. Director, producer and screenwriter Peter Hyams takes on the task with a possible new beginning in the coldness of outer space and a spark to bring sanity to the vicious political chess games. Roy Schneider is the disgraced Dr. Heywood Floyd - the scapegoat for the Discovery debacle - while John Lithgow and Bob Balaban portray, respectively, Dr. Walter Curnow and Dr. Chandra, who are all part of the U.S. team to Jupiter. To tackle a sequel to a Sci-Fi classic that has had a unique spot in pop culture seemed to be a no-win situation for Hyams and the cast. And though the effort falls short of matching 2001: A Space Odyssey, the message from space is a timeless one as long as small minds tackle issues of a global scale.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Destination Moon VHS; Brand: John Archer; Review: Look to the stars and dare to dream on the silver screen....back in 1950. Based on Rocket Ship Galileo, a 1947 novel by Robert A. Heinlen, the movie is a visionary tale of the free enterprise system stepping into the space race and paving the trail to the exploration of the universe. Produced by George Pal, entrepreneurship has stepped up to the launching pad to finance a craft to land on the Moon due to the Soviet Union picking up the pace and appearing as if its technological advantage will be enough to get there first. The U.S. spaceship gets built and is launched from New Mexico with four astronauts aboard. But triumph may turn to tragedy after the travelers arrive on the Moon, so American ingenuity is needed to facilitate a plan to get the ship back to Earth. But the clock is ticking fast and there is no room for error. The winner of an Academy Award for Visual Effects, the classic Sci-Fi film accurately predicts actual scenarios that played out in the space race during the Cold War and beyond. This is the economics of looking at the universe and visualizing the potential through the freedom of the mind.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Project Moonbase VHS; Brand: Donna Martell; Review: An expedition sets out in 1970 to orbit and survey the Moon while setting a foundation for future U.S. missions. But a mechanical problem forces the craft to land on the Moon's surface and the race is on to solve several mysteries - that includes espionage and plans in the Soviet Union to derail the U.S. project - while rescuing the astronauts. Author Robert A. Heinlein co-wrote the screenplay (based on a story he penned), with the "film" - edited pieces of an unsold Sci-Fi television series, Ring Around the Moon - being released in 1953. Directed by Richard Talmadge, it features women in a variety of top leadership positions - on the mission and in politics - while exploring the possibilities of space travel in a realistic manner. Through the Sci-Fi genre, it ultimately is a neat peek into the concept of leadership - for a change - through a superpower rivalry on Earth that takes spycraft into outer space.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Flight to Mars VHS; Brand: Marguerite Chapman; Review: Oscar-winning producer Walter Mirisch stretches what is clearly a low budget as far as it can go, so the astronauts look like they were pulled off a set chronicling air power during World War II for this 1951 Sci-Fi adventure. A spacecraft crashes onto Mars and the U.S. team is now going to regret things in a big way; the humanoids they meet may not all have universal peace in mind. There is a group of Martians who want to help get the craft repaired and send representatives to Earth to negotiate a relocation plan because their planet is dying. Another group wants to get the craft repaired and use it to invade Earth. Caught between this tug-of-war are the astronauts. The twist to the typical angle where the aliens get stranded is interesting, but the script's flight plan does travel a familiar path for Sci-Fi films of this era. But the theme of getting back home - no matter the odds - is a timeless one.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Conquest of Space; Brand: Walter Brooke; Review: Based on a 1949 book - The Conquest of Space - written by Willy Ley and illustrated by Chesley Bonestell, producer George Pal delivers an intense Sci-Fi adventure of survival on an inhospitable planet. The mission to Mars psychologically destroys one astronaut and causes a chasm with harsh accusations amongst some crew members But there is also a slim ray of hope and optimism due to a seed being planted in the rugged environment. And the questions surrounding how history is written and the creation of heroes takes flight in the end. The special effects are outstanding. Released in 1955, the movie is a classic merging of real science with a fascinating gaze to the stars, but with the physical limits of each astronaut being stretched to the breaking point.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gorgo VHS; Brand: Bill Travers; Review: Ogra is not a happy monster and who can really blame her. Her son, Gorgo, was recently captured from their deep sea home and is now a freak-show attraction for a circus in London. And Ogra will stop at nothing to get her son back. The 1961 British Sci-Fi is directed by Eugene Lourie and features the special effects of 2-time Academy Award winner Tom Howard. The monsters are a combination of Godzilla and King Kong, but there is an interesting environmental message in the screenplay by Robert L. Richards and Daniel James. The military has unbelievable firepower, but the action builds up to the good guys finally winning one, though it takes the destruction of London to make the point. This is not the typical monster flick, but Ogra is not a typical heroine, either.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Invaders from Mars VHS; Brand: Helena Carter; Review: Young David McLean (Jimmy Hunt) is the quintessential child that receives many compliments from adults; he's polite, works hard at school and always tells the truth. But his life is in for a rough ride and the world is at risk when adults feel he is telling tall tales to get attention. And it all starts with some type of object crash landing into a sandpit near the McLean household. People who whet their curiosity concerning the rumors of something strange being buried in the sand - including David's father - disappear for a period of time and reappear with extreme changes in their personalities. Two adults - Dr. Pat Blake (Helena Carter) and Dr. Stuart Kelston (Arthur Franz) - take David at his word, which sets off a perilous race against time to solve the mystery before more humans are "controlled" by the stranded aliens. Nominated for a 1953 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, it is a swerve on "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," because this young person is telling the truth.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Earth vs the Flying Saucers VHS; Brand: Hugh Marlowe; Review: Look up and look out....these aliens mean business. Directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Hugh Marlowe (Dr. Russell A. Marvin) and Joan Taylor (Carol Marvin), the 1956 release has solid special effects that features a number of iconic landmarks crashing down due to the flying saucers essentially being destructive Frisbees. Dr. Marvin coordinates a project to send rockets into Earth's orbit, which will ultimately assist with the exploration of the universe. But the rockets begin to disappear and it turns out that some wily aliens are causing the turmoil in space and are also itching for a fight with the Earthlings. The power of the aliens is incredible and the Marvin's may end up the only people left alive after the one-sided brutality is over. With the focus on bogus negotiating ploys, sneak attacks and the unleashing of ultimate weapons of mass destruction, the movie masterfully mixes elements of the Cold War into the Sci-Fi thriller.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Perez Family VHS; Brand: ; Review: This 1995 romantic comedy has gotten a second-life through the DVD release; it was a box-office failure for The Samuel Goldwyn Company, it made around [...] which was nowhere near covering the [...] production cost. Based on a 1991 novel of the same name by author Christine Bell, the backdrop is the 1980 Mariel boatlift and the quest for a new life, a new beginning....but with a twist, which entails the last name, "Perez." Alfred Molina portrays a former Cuban aristocrat/political prisoner - Juan Raul Perez - who has just been freed from jail. He has one goal; making it to America to find his wife (portrayed by Anjelica Huston) and daughter. But on the same boat is Dottie Perez - played by Marisa Tomei - who is trying to make it back from the wrong side of the tracks. And the hijinks kicks into gear when an official for U.S. Immigration believes they- Juan and Dottie - are married, which sets in motion a number of events where the "Perez Family" takes on a whole new meaning. With wit and a play on the politics of the time, director Mira Nair delivers a well-paced movie where romance takes a unique twist for those who truly value living life (with personal freedom) to the fullest each day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: WWE: The Best of Saturday Night's Main Event; Brand: Hulk Hogan; Review: The merging of professional wrestling with pop culture was complete with this successful program which had an incredible late-night run on NBC and FOX from 1985-1992 and currently (since 2006) airs several times a year in prime-time on NBC. Initially planned to take the place of reruns of Saturday Night Live, the taped event ultimately had its own yearly schedule, with the top bouts typically centering on Hulk Hogan. The March 14, 1987, bout which featured Hogan and Andre the Giant drew a solid 11.6 rating. The show's success produced a Friday spin-off prime time show on NBC, The Main Event, with the February 5, 1988, bout again featuring Hogan and Andre drawing 33 million viewers (15.2 rating). Ratings began to slip in 1991 and FOX aired the final two espisodes, the last shown on October 27, 1992. The program returned to NBC in 2006 for periodic prime time specials. Thirty matches and a number of extra features - including the "Real American" music video and the hilarious wedding of Uncle Elmer - make this a must for any pro wrestling fan or a collectable for those seek out pop culture milestones, especially when it concerns television programming.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Frost/Nixon: The Original Watergate Interviews - Digitally Remastered; Brand: Richard Nixon; David Frost; Review: "Watergate" will resonate with any person who even has a passing interest in politics and the historic Sir David Frost/Richard Nixon interviews from May 1977 made for compelling TV then and now. This is the "Watergate" portion of the interviews, with additional bonus commentary/relections by Frost. Nixon had agreed to appear on camera with no pre-interview preparation or screening of questions and the subtle jousting between Frost and the disgraced former president is quite evident. A 2-disc set of the original broadcast footage is slated for release in late-April 2009. Perhaps the most important segment of the interviews is captured here....and it is an outstanding instructional tool for educators who are exploring the issue.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Powder Blue; Brand: Jessica Biel; Review: This is a desperate quest on several levels that is very real for these times. Ray Liotta portrays a dying man, who - after 25 years in prison - attempts to connect with a daughter he has never met in this powerful drama of a desperate journey to make things right, before it's too late. His daughter (expertly played by Jessica Biel) is a "performer" in a gentleman's club and he pretends to be just another customer to talk with her. With Lisa Kudrow and Forest Whitaker, the major characters are flawed and troubled, but have not given up hope to achieve something - anything - that can make life pleasant (tolerable?) for at least a short period of time, though they are stretched to the limit due to a battering from the wicked tsunami of daily living.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New In Town; Brand: Rene Zellweger; Review: A light romantic comedy, it tugs at the emotions while pulling very familiar - and sad - elements of this era of the national economic tsunami that has swept away Main Street in many settings and often in very heartless ways. Renee Zellweger portrays a Miami businesswoman who is assigned to lay off at least half the employees in a Minnesota factory. Harry Connick Jr. is the union representative who is the last line of defense in this tragic game of dollars and cents, which juxtaposes the ways and means of the big-city with small-town life. Winter turns to spring in a neat little 96-minute journey that has a typical formula for the genre, but is set on a roller coaster of reality that most can truly appreciate.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jeeves & Wooster - The Complete Series; Brand: Stephen Fry; Review: The eight discs that clock in at a hefty 1150 minutes of wry British wit that stars Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry is a puzzling (re)release on a pair of critical areas: there is nothing new from the complete series that was issued in 2002 and the transfer to disc remains "iffy," which plagued its initial appearance in the marketplace. Laurie portrays Bertram Wilberforce "Bertie" Wooster - the bumbling, dimwitted aristocrat - and Fry is the witty valet, Reginald Jeeves, in the series that is based on Sir P.G. Wodehouse's "Jeeves and Wooster" stories. The 23 episodes appeared on the ITV network from April 1990 to June 1993 and feature bossy aunts, romantic scrapes and a number of friends who just can't stay out of mischief. Hopefully there are plans for a definitive set and this repackaging of a prior release is a bridge to that end. Though the shows were outstanding, there needs to be a serious production makeover to make for a solid collectible for fans of all ages.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: New York Yankees Perfect Games and No-Hitters; Brand: Don Larsen; Review: The six-disc set will warm up any chilled baseball fan at the start of the Hot Stove League season and is a gem for any fledgling diamond historian due to the inclusion of a perfect game tossed nearly 55 years ago. The blurry tape of the TV broadcast of Don Larsen's October 8, 1956, perfect game in the World Series versus the Brooklyn Dodgers is in terrible shape, but the athletic accomplishment remains one of the greatest ever in Major League Baseball. The 12 hours and 33 minutes is a tour of masterpieces from aces of the New York Yankees and includes the perfect game from David Wells (1998) and the "comeback" to prominence of Dwight Gooden (1996). The set is outstanding because it allows the games to tell the story in feats that define pitching excellence...no matter the era or venue.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Murdoch Mysteries, Season One; Brand: Yannick Bisson; Review: Based in 1890s Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the 13 episodes of the critically-acclaimed first season of this Victorian-era mystery series - with bonus features - clocks in at nearly 600 minutes. The episodes chronicle the exploits of inventive Detective William Murdoch (portrayed by Yannick Bisson) and his unique vision to think outside the box while solving crime in the nick of time. To give special flavor to the era, historical figures like Prince Alfred and Arthur Conan Doyle make appearances, but the costumes and settings bolster the sweet story lines and solid acting. The bonus features are the typical kind - episode commentary, interviews, photo gallery - though the angle provided by production designer Sandra Kybartas is very interesting. Do not be surprised if the hours fly by as the sleuthing heats up as Murdoch and his colleagues play their old school version of "beat the clock."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Astrospies; Brand: .; Review: "On February 25, 1977, at 9:21 a.m., Moscow time, Colonel Gorbatko undocked from Almaz and descended toward central Kazakhstan. He and his partner would be the last astrospies. After 13 years of extraordinary effort by scientists from both sides, with billions of rubles and billions of dollars spent, only five missions had been launched, all by the Russians. And just two of those were deemed a success. For all the effort, astrospies had managed just 81 days in orbit," says the narrator in the closing minutes of this incredible documentary on spies taking their craft into the final frontier. In the 1960s, the United States and Soviet Union began forging parallel trails to design military space stations to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance of Earth; the United States Manuel Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) and the Soviet Almaz program. Though there had been several magazine articles in the 1980s and 1990s on this little-known space race, the NOVA program is the first to explore it on television. The timeline is hazy in parts - documents remain classified in the U.S. and Russia - but interviews with historian/author/co-producer James Bramford, a number of military astronauts selected for MOL, Almaz cosmonauts and Almaz designers, along with never before seen footage, provide an outstanding overview and details on both space stations. MOL was canceled before it could fly and Almaz flew several times before the Soviet's ended the project. One fascinating fact is the Almaz was equipped with a cannon to destroy satellites or attack American astrospies and was test-fired in space. There are triumphs, tragedies and political squabbles - the debate in both governments was surprisingly similar - with essentially the same conclusions drawn, but about a decade apart. Until the full story can truly be told, the documentary will stand as a fascinating look into the merging of science and spycraft in the great game to heat up space during the Cold War.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Derby; Brand: Len Cariou; Review: Released in April 1971 and directed by Robert Kaylor, the docu-drama proved to be revolutionary since it contains all the elements that has worked masterfully on reality television shows that jump into sports/sports-entertainment. What appears to be a planned documentary on the Roller Derby league veers into another direction when 23 year old Mike Snell appears on the scene to chase a dream of jamming on the track. The cockiness and midnight rambling of the married father of two young children is juxtaposed with legendary skater Charlie O'Donnell of the San Francisco Bay Bombers, whose drive to the top began as a youngster in a New York City park during matches between neighborhood "teams" on a circuit around a cast-iron railing. O'Donnell has captured a slice of pop culture fame, but a price is paid through the hard bumps and lengthy coast-to-coast tours. Truly, the strong can only survive this grind. The end of the "documentary" is actually the possible start of Snell's new career, with the cliffhanger fitting the business model of company owner Jerry Seltzer, who placed a premium on live shows over the whole story being easily seen on a screen. There are solid scenes from matches and the flamboyant Ann Calvello proves to be larger-than-life while bending the rules. The movie tanked at the box office and Seltzer shut down the company in 1973 due to runaway costs caused by oil shortages. But what actually marked the end of one era pointed to another that entertains countless millions on a daily basis.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry; Author: Visit Amazon's Doug Fields Page; Review: While giving purpose to everything done, the object of our purpose isn't mad clear. The author doesn't speak much of Jesus in the book. If we are purposefully purposeful it accomplishes little, but if we are purposeful about bringing glory to Christ in every facet of life then fruit will show. It still does make for an okay recourse for administration.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City; Author: Visit Amazon's Timothy Keller Page; Review: Tim Keller has put out another amazing recourse for church leaders of all settings. The city is a great place to do ministry, robust ministry at that. Gospel-centered, church-centered, and city-centered this book is great. Its the size of a text book, so it can be used as a recourse but it also can be read straight through like any other book. Get a copy for yourself and put this in a city pastor's hands as well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness; Author: Visit Amazon's Kevin DeYoung Page; Review: DeYoung puts out a great book. everyone serious about holiness should consider this book. It is a great read, and thoroughly biblical.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When I Don't Desire God (Redesign): How to Fight for Joy; Author: Visit Amazon's John Piper Page; Review: Fight for joy in Jesus. This book is very helpful, and Scripture filled. Not a Christian? This book can benefit the Christian and non-Christian alike.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Creature of the Word: The Jesus-Centered Church; Author: Visit Amazon's Matt Chandler Page; Review: Read this book and savor it. The importance of the word of God is properly addressed. You will gain from reading this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary; Author: Visit Amazon's J. D. Greear Page; Review: Getting back to the Gospel, which both initiates our salvation upon belief and keeps us in line with the will of God (Gal 2:14). This is a great read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Confessions: Works of Saint Augustine, a Translation for the 21st Century: Part 1- Books; Author: Maria Boulding; Review: This is a great translation but the book is very small, with small margins, spacing and font. It is not easy on the eyes. Nonetheless, the translation is great and readable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update & Show Your Home Some Love; Author: Visit Amazon's Sherry Petersik Page; Review: My wife absolutely love this resource. The ideas are artistic, stylish, inexpensive, and add a homey feeling to any space.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Future Grace, Revised Edition: The Purifying Power of the Promises of God; Author: Visit Amazon's John Piper Page; Review: This book is great! It gives great insight into the doctrines of grace and especially that which we will receive in the future. This book puts anything from suffering to blessedness in perspective of the coming glory we will behold face to face--Jesus'. Piper is a skilled writer. You should read this book; all of it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Marriage Bargain (Marriage to a Billionaire); Author: Visit Amazon's Jennifer Probst Page; Review: This is the first book of Jennifer Probst that I have read and it is beautiful. I just love the romance and the emotions. It is a must read for all romance lovers who believe in the beauty of love, life and emotions.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Take Me; Author: Visit Amazon's Bella Andre Page; Review: This is a beautiful read full of emotion and romance. It is so full of life, spice, love and the beauty of two people falling in love and discovering their inner feelings. A MUST READ FOR THOSE WHO LOVE ROMANCE; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bride's Baby; Author: Visit Amazon's Liz Fielding Page; Review: This was one of the sweetest books which I have read. It was so full of love and romance. It touched my heart in more ways than one. Its just that at times I thought it could have been a little faster in the movement of the story. But I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who believes in romance.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: On the Island; Author: Visit Amazon's Tracey Garvis Graves Page; Review: This is a very beautiful love story of TJ Callahan and Anna. The emotions are very real and so are the conundrums that they face. The story is gripping and moves at just the right pace. The dilemmas resolved through the story are very real and beautifully handled. I just loved the book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Uncharted: An On the Island Novella; Author: Tracey garvis graves; Review: Though it is only her second book Tracey had me captivated by her writing from beginning to end. I am a slow reader as I try to imbibe all the emotions and twists and turns of a book. This book had everything in it and was so full of love as well as adventure. I just wish that the shark had not come in to destroy the happiness of Calia and Owen. But then nothing is perfect in life. All in all a perfect book. I would recommend Tracey to anyone interested in romantic fiction with a twist.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike); Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Galbraith Page; Review: I loved this book. It was a throwback to Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. I was gripped right through by both Strike as well as Robin. They made a great pair and I hope the author gives us more books in the series. The plot itself was very well laid out and had me gripped right upto the end. The manner in which the series of crimes in the book were executed and planned was meticulous. Equally enthralling was the way in which Strike and Robin unravelled the evil nexus of the criminal. Anyone who loves detective fiction would love this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Staying at Joe's; Author: Visit Amazon's Kathy Altman Page; Review: I received an ARC of this book last month. I got around to reading it only now and it had me gripped. I love the way Allison and Joe meet and how Allison goes all out to get Joe to come back to his old job. If she fails she will be out of her job too. Joe agrees only on one difficult condition. The book then goes into life at the small town of Castle Creek and how people there are a close knit community and Allison falls in love with both Joe and Castle Creek. This is a love story for the heart and gives rise to romantic feelings and goose pimples. I was constantly imagining myself in the place of the characters. My complete admiration to Allison. Wish her all the best raising her family with Joe. The background of Castle Creek could even be the beginning of a family saga. I look forward to seeing a lot more of Kathys books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Good Luck: Creating the Conditions for Success in Life and Business; Author: Alex Rovira Celma; Genres: non-fiction, comics, graphic, fiction; Review: What is the difference between good luck and Good Luck (with capital "G" and "L") ? When i read this sentences in the back cover of the book, somehow i know that this book is really interesting. If u ever read "Who moves my Cheese?" and u like it, i think u will also like this book. The books tell us that we can't wait for good luck to appear to us but we ourselves must do something in order to achieve Good Luck itself. The authors use a clever fable about two knight who each of them had their own way in achieving the Good Luck (which cleverly being symbolized in the story as the four leaves clover, as we know in the our world was also a symbol or a charm of good luck). It's a simple book with a relatively short story but in no doubt offer big things for us to thought about. I really recommend this book to everyone :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New Wave Marketing: The World is Still Round, The Market is Already Flat; Author: Hermawan Kartajaya; Genres: non-fiction; Review: It's very interesting to note that the new thinking of New Wave Marketing that have been stated by Hermawan is actually based on his old popular marketing theory before which is Marketing Plus 2000 which consists of the wide-known 9 Elements of Marketing. Later at around year 2002, he upgraded the theory to SME model. What I have admired and learned from the book and also from Hermawan himself is that how marketeers need to be adaptive and not afraid to change. Just like Hermawan, he didn't afraid to change and upgrade his model as he sees that it will be not too effective anymore while actually still keeping the roots of its old model because as we can see the 12 Cs of New Wave Marketing actually the evolved model of 9 Elements of Marketing. Last word as Hermawan said, ready or not, the new era of marketing is upon us, heck, it maybe already around us without we know it. Welcome to the era of New Wave Marketing !; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Marketing in Venus; Author: Hermawan Kartajaya; Genres: non-fiction; Review: I have bought this book long time ago around 2007 and just had the time to finish reading it now. I am trully amazed that although this book actually published around 2003 but Hermawan and his team already can predict that the way of people think and act will surely changed in the future. In this book, Hermawan already predict for example that man will mostly be wo-men in the future where they will be more sensitive and more open about what they need and what they want. In that year 2003, I recalled we didn't have many products especially for man but nowadays there are many products specifically designed and targeted for man. Well it is just like this book said the earth are surelly but sure is becoming a Venus.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You; Author: Sam Gosling; Genres: non-fiction; Review: The premise of this book is how we can learn about someone through their stuff in their rooms, offices, cars, homes is the very one cause that makes me want to read this book. We didn't realize that we can learn so much from our or others personal spaces. Gosling's way of writing this book is good enough and engaging that making me keep reading it but I think this book was gone a little more theoritically than I expected. I was expecting a more practical book though. But the way Gosling explained his key concepts and researches with graphs and charts makes this book almost just like a psychology text book :) Despite of that, Gosling's conclusion is indeed very interesting especially when he said that we need to look more than one snoop domains in order to know someone better and how each snoop domains was more accurate on impressions of some traits than the others. My favourite chapter was chapter eleven especially on the part where Gosling meet with one briliant architect or designer that build homes by implementing the unique needs each of his clients by asking them questions that will reveal their deep preferences. Last word, this is a good book to read especially if u are interested in snooping skills which I think proven to be useful to everybody. It can be used by someone who wants to see what kind of person is his/her mate are. For marketeers, they can know what is actually the true preferences of their target markets. Or the most basic one, by knowing someone better, we can treat them better,right?; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crowd: Marketing Becomes Horizontal; Author: Yuswohady; Genres: non-fiction, young-adult; Review: A good book that I think can be treated as a warming exercise before we read the trilogy book of the New Wave Marketing that being released by MarkPlus. In this book, Yuswohady give more emphasize on how we should see the power of crowd which its important elements like the evangelists and community play an important role in the new era of marketing nowadays, the New Wave Marketing. Using a more casual way in to discussing and explaining his idea. I find this approach quite interesting and nice for people who are new to marketing world although sometime I found it's too silly or a liitle annoying, or maybe it's just me who prefer a more serious way of talk :) But overall it's a good book that every people not only they who work as a marketeer but they who are interested in this new era of marketing. Welcome to the era of New Wave Marketing, the Horizontal Marketing.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Menerjang Harapan; Author: Barack Obama; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction; Review: This is a good book to read in order to know Mr. Barack Obama closer. To know about his thought, opinions and view on many important things that he himself hold high values for them. I personally like on what he wrote about his view on Family and Religion values and it is interesting to read on his thoughts on Indonesia on the first chapter also :) "I wonder if Sasha will remember this moment when she are older. Well, probably not .... But I guessed the happiness that she felt when she was on the parachute will stick forever in her; that such moments accumulate and seep on its own into the character of a child, becomes a part of their souls" (Mr. Obama wrote his thought when he held a birthday party for one of his daughter,Sasha) Mr. Obama is trully one of a kind president that US had till now. Born from a family with a background of multicultural culture has made Mr. Obama a person with a rich character and I can say that from this book. US is very lucky to have a president like him. Hopefully, my country, Indonesia will have more people like him. Well hopefully :); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Inside Steve's Brain; Author: Leander Kahney; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: One of the best book if you want to know how Apple or in this case Steve Job works his way to develop and launch amazing and life changing products to the world like the ipod, iphone and the just recently the fenomenal ipad.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 20 CEO Idaman 2009 Pilihan Pembaca Warta Ekonomi; Author: Arief Hatta; Genres: ; Review: I have been fond reading success story of CEO starting from when I read in SWA magazine. By reading this book, I realized that it is not an easy job to become a CEO actually. You got this huge burden to make sure the company that you lead will become not just good company but great if not the best. I have also realized that despite their high position, deep inside they are still human being that have their own weakness also. A recommended book for anyone who interested about how some succesfull CEO in Indonesia achieve their success. My favourite CEO stories are: # Agus Dermawan Wintarto Martowardojo - CEO Bank Mandiri # Galaila Karen Agustiawan - CEO Pertamina # Hasnul Suhaimi - CEO XL # Johnny Darmawan Danusasmita - CEO Toyota Astra Motor # Stanley Setia Atmadja - CEO Adira Finance # Suryo Suwignjo - CEO IBM Indonesia; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grow With Characters Champion Stories; Author: Alexander Mulya; Genres: ; Review: A good book where we can learn that in every success story of successful company, we can see that each of them usually had a special characteristic that made them different. Character shows who you really are. Because nowadays customers are smart. They want to know all about product that they bought. What is the philosophy behind the making of the product, is it made with high idealism or it is just being plain made. According to the writer, to build a strong Character, there are 3 component: 1.EXCELLENCE 2.PROFESSIONALISM 3.ETHICS From this book, we can learn from each champiom stories from lots of great company that implement each of those three components. A great book to read for all who interested to become a person with Character or to build a team, company with good Character.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hermawan Kartajaya On Marketing; Author: Hermawan Kartajaya; Genres: non-fiction; Review: A really great books about marketing where Hermawan tried to use his methodology, the SME (Sustainable Marketing Enterprise) in order to discuss all the business cases that happened around the year 1998 to 2002. Although the methodology had been 9 years old but I found lots of its element still valid until now. Hermawan itself had been creating new marketin model for this 21st century which is Marketing 3.0 or the New Wave Marketing model. This is really a valuable book to read if you are interested about marketing and about Hermawan way of thinking in marketing. He really is the Marketing Guru of Indonesia; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 9 Summers 10 Autumns; Author: Iwan Setyawan; Genres: history, young-adult, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: A good novel that shows about how important the role of our family, education and a focus mind can get us to achieve our dreams. I also liked how Iwan used to remembered his past memory to reconsiliate with himself and not becoming weak and be a person who clings to his past but to become strong and become a person who always gratefull especially to his parent, sisters and all the people who had helped him till he become a person like now. A really recommended novel to read !; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Naked Traveler; Author: Trinity; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Funny, weird, exciting, unique and inspiring ! That's the impression I got after reading this book. Trinity's way of writing and telling her travelling stories is so honest and very fun. A very recommended book to those who likes travelling or one that starts to do some travelling. Got two fair warning though before you read this book: 1.Be prepared to have an urgeness to go travelling when you reading this book 2.Don't read this book when you are in the middle of a crowd as people will think you crazy as you will laugh yourself when you read Trinity's travelling stories in this book :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures; Author: Malcolm Gladwell; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: A nice book that have some great articles collected by Malcolm Gladwell, one of my favourite author. My favourite of those articles are: - The Art of Failure - Blowup - Late Bloomers - The Talent Myth - The New-Boy Network; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Naked Traveler 2; Author: Trinity; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: Just like the first book, it's funny and very enjoyable to following all the travel stories of Trinity. There are some stories that I think are already in the first book that makes some minus for this book. But overall this is also a recommended book for those who like travelling.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Life: Selected Quotations; Author: Paulo Coelho; Genres: non-fiction, poetry, fiction; Review: I found the book very inspiring and makes me wants to read all of the books that Paulo Coelho had quoted for this book. Really recommend his book to everyone; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marketing 3.0: Mulai dari Produk ke Pelanggan ke Human Spirit; Author: Philip Kotler; Genres: non-fiction; Review: An interesting book that tell about how a company can become a human centric company by implementing the Marketing 3.0 concept. Company needs to pay attention to three building blocks of Marketing 3.0 which are Collaborative Marketing, Cultural Marketing, and Spiritual Marketing. In the future, marketing practical will also based on three new base such as Co-creation, Communitization, and Character building. In the end, this book give us 10 Marketing Credo that we can follow in order to implement the Marketing 3.0 concept. The question left for us after reading this book is do we dare to take the chance to change?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Anxieties / Desires; Author: Hermawan Kartajaya; Genres: non-fiction; Review: A good book that gives a lot of insight about the main three sub culture that will play an important role in the era of New Wave Marketing: Youth, Women, and Netizen. This book contains the research result that had being done by MarkPlus in 8 big cities in Indonesia so it is indeed a very valuable insight especially if we want to survive in the new era of New Wave Marketing.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: CONNECT! Surfing New Wave Marketing; Author: Hermawan Kartajaya; Genres: non-fiction; Review: If in the first book, "New Wave Marketing: The World is Still Round, The Market is Already Flat" In this second book, Hermawan explained in detail about the 12Cs of New Wave Marketing and told us another fact also that need to be taken care by each person or company that wants to survive in the era of new wave and wants to implement those 12Cs of New Wave Marketing which is CONNECT. If we know the 4Cs Diamond model from the previous 9 Core Elements of Marketing, CONNECT will be the fifth C that will complete the 4C in this era of New Wave Marketing, from 4C to 5C. CONNECT will be the central element that make each of the other 4Cs element: Change, Customer, Competitor, and Company to be connected each other. Personally I liked this book better than the first book because I can find more detail topics and complete explainations about the New Wave model, the 12Cs of New Wave Marketing. The second book is more like a text book model that explain in more detail about the New Wave Marketing model. It explained about why,what and how we can implement the New Wave Marketing model. People who are interested more about this new marketing concept can continue by reading the third book, Anxieties/Desires that complete the Trilogy New Wave Marketing books that has been released by Hermawan and his people at MarkPlus. Welcome to the era of New Wave Marketing !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Alchemist - Sang Alkemis; Author: Paulo Coelho; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I really enjoy reading the book and it easily become one of my favourite book. I will not told anything about this book as we can easily find lots of review about this popular book which if I am not mistaken had been translated to 65 different languages ! So if u happen to found this book somewhere and haven't read it, i recommend u to try to read it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mind Map untuk Meningkatkan Kreativitas; Author: Tony Buzan; Genres: non-fiction; Review: A book that will tell us a brief explaination about mind map. Treat this as a small guide book because it didn't contain much information except practical steps for mind map.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentations; Author: Garr Reynolds; Genres: non-fiction, comics, graphic; Review: Another great book by Garr. Just like the first book, in this second book, Garr tried to give us more clear approach on how to implement zen principles on presentation design. If the first book talks more about concept, the second one is more technical but still there are some concepts here and there. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn more about presentation and improve their presentation skill.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery; Author: Garr Reynolds; Genres: non-fiction; Review: I have been learning Japanese Zen for quite a long time. I also have been learning how to present well for quite some time. The moment I knew that Garr Reynolds actually combined those two things, I said to myself that this IS the ONE. I can't tell how much I love the book and I can read it over and over again. I really recommend this book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Your Job Is Not Your Career; Author: Rene Suhardono; Genres: non-fiction; Review: Inspiring and encouranging is what my impression after reading this book. How many of us really realize our REAL PASSION and PURPOSE IN LIFE. Maybe many of us actually didn't even have a little bit time to think seriously about that. Rene start with a simple yet deep credo for this book, which is "our job is not our career" and he explained this without tendency to preach us or telling us what to do. He simply asking us some simple questions which in the end will making us to think throughly about what actually what we want to achieve in our life. Last I want to quote what Rene said in this book: "We can't change life but we can change the way we look at life." So let us start it right now !; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Untuk Indonesia yang Kuat: 100 Langkah Untuk Tidak Miskin; Author: Ligwina Hananto; Genres: non-fiction, young-adult; Review: I've been wanting to read this book for about 3 years ago. The book had been in my possession for some time but I don't have the time or to be exact the guts to read this book. Because you know, the book told some ugly truth about how all of us should pay really serious attention with financial planning. Because if we don't, in the future, we would be really really in SERIOUS issue. Although what Ligwina tried to share were mostly pretty basic (according to one of my friend who know lots bout financial planning), I personally think it's a good point as I think Ligwina herself though about this when she wrote this book. She was trying to share and open up the eyes of middle class people (like me) to know a little bit bout it and started to do some action regarding with our financial planning. I personally urge you to read this great book if you think yourself didn't know much about financial planning!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pixar: Kisah Heroik Steve Jobs Merebut Kembali Apple Inc. Melalui Studio Animasi Pixar; Author: Ni Ketut Susrini; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: An interesting book that invite us to know some behind stories about the magic of Pixar films; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Package Design Now; Author: Gisela Kozak; Genres: ; Review: A really great book to get insight and inspiration on the wonderfull yet deep world of packaging design. Really recommend this book not only to designers but brand managers or brand owners as well so they can get fresh ideas and examples on how to enhance their own brands packaging.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Your Journey to be the Ultimate U (Ultimate U, #1); Author: Rene Suhardono; Genres: non-fiction, young-adult; Review: I have a mixed feeling after reading this second book of Rene, the author of the famous and best selling books - Your Job Is Not Your Career (#CCBook). While it is still a good book but I think I like the first book more than this second book, #UltimateU. In the first book, Rene invited us in the journey of seeking our passion and purpose in life by discussing the true meaning of a career by giving us the simple yet deep credo, "Your job is NOT your career". At that time after reading the book, I can't shake the vibe feeling that urged me to leave my previous job and start in my own journey of finding my passion, purposes and values in life. In the second book, #UltimateU, Rene invites us to next journey of becoming the ultimate version of ourself. I think this would be Rene's answer of people's question about what we should do after we know what is our passion, purpose and values and already in the process of actualize it. But I personally haven't get that same feeling of urgeness after finished reading this book. Maybe it's because this #UltimateU book is actually a collection of Rene's articles in Kompas which that's why I can't get yet the big picture of it because the nature of short articles in a daily newspaper, so I found the ideas are too diverse and not as unified as the first book. But as been warned in the book itself, this book actually shouldn't being treated as we usually read a normal book and we should take time in reading it, to understand the meaning of messages that Rene wants to share and also the most important to actualize it in our everyday lives in order to become the Ultimate version of ourselves. That's why I think I will take my time to read this book again after all the idea itself of becoming the #UltimateU is great and so relevant. Overall, I enjoy reading this book and I really recommend it especially if you already read Rene's first book. Start reading this book and start your journey to become the #UltimateU :); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Book About Innocent: Our Story and Some Things We've Learned; Author: Dan Germain; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: I have been a fans of innocent since I found their fun and quirky packaging in one of the blog about packaging design that I read. The way they chose to design their bottle of smoothies had been telling me that the company itself had an interesting story too. From my journey throughout the web, I found lots of interesting facts and videos too bout innocent. That's why I decided to purchase the book. Thanks to a friend who happened to study at UK who is very nice in helping me to buy the book and sent it to me at Indonesia. The way the book being written is actually treated just in the same way innocent had with their packaging design. Fun and quirky. Very enjoyable to read through. Lots of knowledge, wisdom especially for us who are interested to be an entrepreneur and want to build our own company. For those who don't, we can learn a lot also how innocent build its company and business around their simple purpose, "make food good". For me personally, after reading the book, I think I am being converted from a fans to a loyal fans although I haven't even tasted it. Strange isn't it? But this is one proof on how if you build a strong and honest STORYTELLING bout ur brand or company, people will follow u. Well, it happened with me that's for sure. How bout u?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Service With Character-The Principles and The Stories; Author: Hermawan Kartajaya; Genres: ; Review: Actually this is a quite interesting book that shares the 18 Principles on giving SERVICE with CHARACTER in the New Wave era. Although actually I expect to get more from the book but it seems the authors decided to make this book as a compilation of sharing stories or study cases from companies that implement the principles of SERVICE with CHARACTER in their everyday operations. Well, I kinda agree on this approach because if they decided to dig deep into the principles then maybe the book will be not too interesting (a.k.a BORING) for some people. But there is also a minus with this, I say some people will not find this book to deep and too important to be own as I think you can just read it throughly in a book store. End of discussion, I will not recommend people to buy this book rather I recommend to just borrowing it from friends who have the book but I will recommend them to read this especially they who want to implement or giving services with character either for themselves or their companies.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Secrets Of The Little Red Cow: Insights To Sme Branding & Growth; Author: Luke Lim, A.S.Louken; Genres: ; Review: A really great book that share a lot of concept and some branding model on SME business especially in Singapore but I think it can be implemented in other countries as well. I found this book very relevant especially with the field I worked with right now as a business consultant for SME clients in Surabaya. But this book isn't for consultants like me but I think for business owners of SME business will found this book full of knowledge and insights that will surely help them to make their business grow. Maybe even go internationally. Hey, all of us can dream for the best right :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brand Cookbook; Author: DM-IDHOLLAND; Genres: ; Review: A simple yet very insightful book about branding; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Making The Giant Leap; Author: Stanley S. Atmaja; Genres: ; Review: A really interesting book that shared us about the secrets recipe of one of the successful financial company in Indonesia, Adira Finance. I learnt a lot of great concept about human resources and lots and lots of model in this book. I must admit this isn't a book for everyone but those who likes strategic and models especially will found this book as exciting as I am.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wordcraft: The Art of Turning Little Words into Big Business; Author: Alex Frankel; Genres: non-fiction; Review: Quite a good book that tells stories on how some of the big companies like Porsche, RIM, and even my previous company before, Accenture. When Shakespeare said that "What's in a name?", I am really sure he doesn't know how powerful brand's name will be :); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bold: How to Be Brave in Business and Win; Author: Shaun Smith; Genres: non-fiction; Review: Being BOLD! Sound easier to hear than to do actually. All the companies that being mentioned in the book were all made commitment to stay true to what their purpose or quoting what the book said, they were keeping the main thing the main thing. It is really a good book that IMHO not only taught me on how I can implement how to be BOLD in my company but also how I can be BOLD personally.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Magic of Dream Book; Author: Rangga Umara; Genres: non-fiction; Review: To be honest, gw rada menghindari buku2 yg jenisnya self help tapi baca dan tahu crita tentang mas Rangga Umara dan bagaimana kisah dia membangun Lele Lela dari nol di suatu majalah bisnis membuat gw jd tertarik untuk baca bukunya. Untunglah gw ga salah pilih. Bukunya sangat menarik lebih tepatnya gaya penulisan dan penuturannya yg asyik dan seperti Mas Rangga yang ngomong sendiri ke gw. Gw amat menikmati setengah bagian awal dari bukunya karena gw jd tahu bagaimana jatuh bangunnya Mas Rangga pas awal2 bangun Lele Lela. Sayangnya bagian ini ga diceritain sampai habis, mungkin supaya ada lanjutannya kali ya Mas Rangga? Asumsi gw, hehehe. Nah kalo setengah bagian awal itu kyk autobiografi, setengah bagian buku sisanya itu ternyata lebih kyk self help tapi untungnya ga gitu ngebosenin n basi krn gaya penuturannya masi konsisten dari awal. Buku yg gw rekomendasikan buat dibaca siapapun yg lagi mengejar impiannya (sama kyk gw skarang)!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Right Process will Bring Great Result (edisi revisi); Author: Tjahjadi Lukiman; Genres: ; Review: I learnt a lot from this book. I think the 7 Rights model is not only simple but it's also very clear. It helps me a lot in viewing what I need to follow and do in order to improve the growth of not only my company but for my personal as well. As I personally think the principles of 7 Rights can also be implemented to help my personal grow as well. With a writing style that is using a third person view (which is similar style like other famous title like "The One Minute Manager"), this book is very enjoyable to read. I recommend this book not only to those who are CEO, business owners, managers but also to general people who want to have a clear and simple model to help you achieving a really great improvement.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Don't Suck!: How To Make Presentations Rock; Author: Slides That Rock; Genres: ; Review: This book is so COOL and AWESOME!!! Sorry, I got a little bit carried away :) But it's true what I said before bout this book. I have been reading some books about presentation such as The Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds (who happened to be my favorite book also) and the Sticky Presentations by Ang Tian Teck. Both of those book are great in their own way but this book is great and shine also in its own way as it take an interesting approach of designing a presentation. All the tips and tricks shared is very practical and clear. Although the book is short but it's very worth to read IMHO :); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Michael D. Ruslim: Lead By Heart; Author: Wiwiek D. Santoso; Genres: non-fiction, history, biography, historical fiction; Review: The sign of a great leader is not only measured by his/her achievement but also by the legacy and the most important, his/her imprint on each heart of the people he/she lead. Michael D. Ruslim, Astra CEO for the period 2005-2010 apparently is one of it. As the CEO not only Michael succeeded in leading Astra through good and bad times (especially through the 2008 economy crisis) but he also succeeded in building a strong foundation for Astra that IMO proved to help shape Astra as we know of now. My only critic for the book is too bad that we didn't get some kind of a summary for each of the chapter that told us about what leadership lessons that we should remembered, learned or implemented. It would help a lot actually for people who just wanted to have a quick read for the book and get straight into the book's quintessence. But leave that aside, for me personally, this is an inspiring book. I admired how even though, he hold a really important position in a really big company, Michael D. Ruslim was really really giving his time 100% in listening people who talked with him. No matter whether it was his friends, colleagues even his subordinates. He is truly one great leader who lead by heart.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 101 Creative Notes; Author: Yoris Sebastian; Genres: non-fiction, young-adult; Review: This 2nd book from Yoris is an interesting book because as the title told it is a collection of notes from Yoris himself on becoming more creative (like himself). Although some notes he wrote are pretty obvious but I personally found lots of interesting tips (and quotes) that are really great. But the one reason that makes this book special is how Yoris made almost (if not all) the book contents using a Samsung Galaxy tablet. Now, I don't know whether Yoris asked Samsung to become a sponsor of his book or Samsung was his client. Nevertheless, IMHO it's a great example of how Yoris really implement what he preached :); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Service Flavours: Customers' Experiences, Customers' Thoughts; Author: Cyltamia Irawan; Genres: ; Review: A nice and simple book with some good and inspiring stories which we can learn about how we can improve our services not only to external customers but internal customers as well.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Intercom on Product Management; Author: Des Traynor; Genres: non-fiction; Review: A must read book for every PMs out there!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Jehan Numa Retreat; City: Bhopal Bhopal District Madhya Pradesh; Review: If one travels to Bhopal for work or for sightseeing this is the place. Although you are in city but you have the feeling of living in a quiet serene atmosphere. Staff at the Retreat is very courteous. The best place to stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Radisson Udaipur; City: Udaipur Udaipur District Rajasthan; Review: This Hotel is worth more than its price. We were apprehensive but found the staff, service very courteous warm and friendly. Very centrally located. Only thing probably I could not understand is why it has four stars when it should be Five Stars. Keep it up the Radisson Staff and members; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ITC Rajputana Jaipur a Luxury Collection Hotel; City: Jaipur Jaipur District Rajasthan; Review: We are a Great Fan of ITC. Every Hotel of theirs has unique and distinct character. This also keeps it up. Staff, food, hospitality is par excellence. Very centrally located. Very well maintained. If one wants to enjoy the Rajasthani flavour then this is the place. Keep up the Good Work; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ITC Maurya a Luxury Collection Hotel New Delhi; City: New Delhi National Capital Territory of ; Review: The best place to stay in Delhi. Staff is extremely courteous. Every time we stay there, we feel that it's home away from home. All our stays have been very very comfortable, care is taken to the smallest detail. One feels like coming again and again. - Dr. Jyoti Bindal.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ITC Maurya a Luxury Collection Hotel New Delhi; City: New Delhi National Capital Territory of ; Review: Experience at ITC Maurya is great ! It’s the attention to the finer details which makes this hotel and its staff different from the others. Extra courteous. It’s like Home. The staff spoils the guests with hospitality in a way that, you will like to come again and again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong; City: Seoul; Review: I am pretty impressed after reading the reviews on Ibis Myeong-Dong and hence decided to book it. And just like in the reviews, I only have good stuff to say about this hotel. A lot of Japanese, European travellers stay here as well. I highly recommend staying at Ibis Myeong-Dong! Good value for money! 1) Location (subway, tourists attractions, convenience stores, shopping stores and malls, food, etc all below hotel or within walking distance) 2) Hotel amenities (free hot & cold water & ice dispenser, free in-room internet, free rental of electrical stuff [i.e. dehumidifier], coin laundry [if u wana do your own], free shuttle from airport limo bus stop and vice versa, etc) Tip: Best to ask for a room with window (automated shutter) as I realised there is no airflow within the room [the hotel blocks usage of air-con during winter] 3) Room and en-suite bathroom (very clean, safebox, coffee/tea making amenities, work table, LCD TV, slippers, etc) 4) Hotel service (multi-lingual staff, pleasant service, etc); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Citadines Ashley Hongkong; City: Hong Kong; Review: Will definitely stay with Citadines Ashley if I am going back to Hong Kong again! The front desk ladies are always very helpful. Be it asking about foot massage service, where to get famous Lao Po Bing (Wife Biscuits) and directions to places in Kowloon/Hong Kong. The rooms are clean and well had almost anything you will need (plus microwave, stove, cooking utensils and cutlery). Nothing I can complain about except the size which I understand is common in Hong Kong (we opted for the standard room which is the lowest category). Location is very good, very near Tsim Sha Tsui MTR, all the various sightseeing locations/activities (Star Ferry Terminal, Clock Tower, Ave of Stars, etc), food and shopping all within the area. You can shop all the way from TST to Mongkok via Nathan Road. Another thing to note is airport transfer service. This does not come free and has to be booked via your own means as hotels in Hong Kong usually do not provide this service. We went for Vigor airport transfer and dropoff at Langham Hotel (or Kowloon Hotel if you prefer). Be prepared to drag your baggage and walk over to Citadines after dropping off.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Michael; City: Sentosa Island; Review: Generally, the hotel does not give a posh feel when you enter the lobby (which I expect it would considering that the price is higher than Hard Rock). I reckon its supposed to be Greek/Roman settings but somehow still lacking something to give you that exact feel. The hotel is still undergoing construction and when we entered our room, we could hear drilling noises. After tolerating for 30mins, we decided to request for a change of room which was attended to and granted promptly (commendable effort on the hotel management part). Another con: No good view can be seen from the room window which is a letdown. An In-Room Dining fast dial was provided in the first room but was not there at the second room and when we checked with guest services was told it is not available. But food and drinks are widely available within the resort hence this is not so much of an issue (we tried Chillis and RamenPlay). I also second others' thoughts that the shampoo+conditioner and bath gel were provided in rather cheap looking bottles. But at least the bathroom is new hence not unpleasant (though there is a musky in the standing shower). The Simmons bed is very comfortable and there were enough TV channels provided to keep one entertained. Overall, I actually regretted agreeing to a free upgrade to Hotel Michael from Hard Rock. Went to check out Hard Rock the next day and actually liked it better. The pool and the room balcony wins everything over. Also quite irritated that RWS website did not provide much pictures for one to make comparisons and we have to depend purely on reviews and descriptions. Would consider Hard Rock if we are going back there again but I think your money could be better spent at Marina Bay Sands. Just my two-cents worth.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An; City: Hoi An Quang Nam Province; Review: This luxurious resort has really nice and spacious grounds. Is right beside the beach and has 2 large pools to accommodate resort guests. Located nearer the tip of Cua Dai beach. Travelling from here to other parts of Hoi An may require abit more time. If airport shuttle transfer does not suit your timing, just book via yourlocalbooking.com as they have pretty good service and charges reasonable prices. We cycled once to the ancient town and back. Took us quite a while although it is not impossible but the road infront of the resort is dark and quiet after sunset). Alternatively, take a taxi or use the resort shuttle. The beach directly infront of the resort is not recommended for swimming due to the choppy waters and rather huge waves. A special stretch has been setup beside the resort for swimming though. Suite room is clean and spacious. There are 2 wardrobes, 2 wash basins and 2 toilets in 1 suite which is quite interesting. There is also a long bath beside the bed in case you wana soak while watching TV. We slept very well to the sound of waves every night which is very soothing. Service is good although there could be room for improvement. Sometimes the reception staff does not even bother to smile or greet you (probably because we are Asians?). Breakfast is good, especially the variety, but somehow not as good as what we would expect from a 5-star resort (omelette overcooked, ate one stale croissant, etc). Did not get to try the spa, probably because we booked too late on weekends. Value is considered good for a suite.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam; City: Bangkok; Review: Yes we decided to stay here because Platinum Fashion Mall is right below us but also because there are other malls just behind the hotel (across a bridge). Saw other complaints on the service but we did not have any unpleasant experience with the staff so far. Check-in, check-out and making up of room were fast & efficient. Even our request for late check-out was given (except we had to call again the next morning as front desk could not confirm if they can allow this the night before). Value is one of the best for this standard within the Bangkok City area. Room size is well proportioned and comfortable for 2. We slept very well and did not hear any funny noises whether its in day or night time. Given that this hotel is pretty new, we expected it to be clean and well maintained and it did came up to our expectations (though we did see stains on the all-white duvet and carpet but that's about it). The see-through glass wall separating the bathroom from bedroom did make the room seem bigger (an automated privacy shade can be drawn). Thumbs-up also for separating the toilet from the main bathroom via a frosted glass door as this means 2 can use the bathroom at same time. Mini-bar/fridge, coffee and tea making stuff are in good working condition as well. The location is good and has everything within the area (shopping, food, money exchange, cafes, bistros, street markets surrounding the hotel area, massage, etc) except the nearest BTS and MRT stations are quite a distance away (about 10-15mins walk). Pratunam (where this hotel is located) is well-known to experience heavy traffic & jams throughout the whole day (till at least midnight on weekdays), hence do be prepared for this if you drive or will be taking a cab to/from this area. No need to book transport from airport to this hotel (hotel charges THB1600/car/way), just hope onto a cab from airport to the hotel and it will cost you less than THB500 to reach here (including toll & THB50 compulsary surcharge).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Full Moon Spa; City: Wulai New Taipei; Review: The best time to visit is on weekdays (working days) as it is less crowded and rooms are generally cheaper. But if you are here for pure rest and relaxation then it's worth considering the pricey hotels to indulge yourself. SERVICE Staff are friendly and prompt in attending to you. Our request for room upgrade was promptly attended to (top-up needed of course) and the staff even allowed us to view the room before we opt to take it up. They also gave us tips on how to get to the waterfall and highlighted that we can use the public hotspring around 10pm if we feel awkward. VALUE Wouldn't say they have the best value but are considered reasonable as the better hotspring hotels (Volando and Pause Landis) are charging a lot more. Our room rate includes 1 Lunch/Dinner and 1 Breakfast for a one night stay. Also includes 2 x entry to the public hotspring pools within the hotel grounds (male and female pools separated). SLEEP QUALITY Sleep quality is good since we are in a mountainous area hence hardly any night-life to disturb your night. The hotel provided a UV Light Mosquito Killer in the room as there are quite alot in this area (and huge ones too). CLEANLINESS If you are particular about cleanliness then its better to opt for the pricey hotels/spas as those are definitely better maintained. The private hotspring tub (ours made of unfinished cypress wood) doesn't seem to have been cleaned/scrubbed before hence you can see dark water stains (that looks like algae to me). The hotel and rooms look old and in need of some renovation. LOCATION Located just next to the old street which makes it really convenient and easily accessible. The log cart rail (which brings you to the waterfall) is located right at the other end of the old street which you can easily reach via a short walk from Full Moon Spa. ROOMS Opt for the Superior Room if possible for a slightly higher price as the difference is quite big compared to Standard Room. The Standard Room is not only small but really pathetic with no space to walk, small CRT TV & wardrobe and toilet bowl just beside the bed (separated by metal framed glass door which can be closed but very difficult to open). OTHERS We took a cab up to Wulai as we wanted to travel in comfort but its quite costly at TWD500/trip (there is a board that says it will cost TWD600/trip but we managed to bargain with the driver since they were waiting for business anyway). Taking the public bus back to Xindian is fast and cheap but you must leave Wulai early as we heard the queue can be quite long during peak hours and weekends.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Swiio Hotel; City: Wanhua Taipei; Review: A new hotel with a youthful concept: lounge reception area with large projector screen (similar to hostels), pantry area for guests' usage. They have rooms from level 5 & above. Reception is at Level 6 (Note: a nightclub is within the same building, accessible by a separate lift. Front desk staff assured us that it only operates till 10pm). Each level (except reception) can only be accessed if u scan your room keycard. SERVICE Pretty good and prompt service and staff were polite as well. They even allowed us to leave our luggage overnight with reception (even though our check-in date is the next day). Changing of reservation was also promptly attended to. Bad experience 1: Staff told us our room was not ready when we arrived at 2.45pm to check-in (although check-in time is 3pm). When questioned, they say it's because we mentioned (the day before) that we would be leaving our hand luggage when back in Taipei and be back by evening. To be honest, this sounded more like an excuse as they should have sufficient time to clean the rooms between 12pm-3pm. Nevertheless, we had no choice but to come back at a later time even though tired from the journey back to Taipei. VALUE Given the rates we paid, we would have opt to stay at JustSleep Ximending instead (but they were fully booked). SLEEP QUALITY We slept soundly and quite comfortably (surprisingly) so either we were too tired or there was absolutely no noise at all. The bed and pillows are comfortable and room humidity was just right. CLEANLINESS Hotel is new hence cleanliness isn't an issue here. Basically the room was kept in pretty good condition and we see no stains on the sheets as well. But do note that despite being a non-smoking hotel, the smell of stale smoke exists in both the rooms we have come across (although the 2nd one was much better as the smell is not as strong as the 1st). LOCATION Right in the heart of Ximending (one street away from Rainbow Hotel). There is a 7-11 within short reach and shopping easily available downstairs. MRT exit is also within short walking distance. ROOM Honestly, this is one of the smallest room I've come across in Taipei (other rooms I've stayed previously were larger than this). But surprisingly the small area can accommodate a small lounge corner and space for our luggages and such. There is no window but isn't a big issue since we were outside most of the time. Electric kettle, free snacks, shampoo, shower gel, toothbrush+paste, comb, shower cap, razor were provided. Wardrobe is just a metal pole (open concept). Free wifi available (even ethernet cable is provided). Bad experience 2: Staff told us the hotel does not allow smoking within its premises but when we entered the room, the smell of stale smoke was quite distinct (I have very sensitive nose), we immediately called the front desk to ask for a change. Luckily another room is available hence we were moved over promptly. OTHERS The safebox; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Resort Alpensia Pyeongchang; City: Pyeongchang gun Gangwon do; Review: The ski shuttle bus dropped us off at the Alpensia Resort Welcome Center around 12pm (which we had no idea off until awhile later). We were a little confused as to how to walk (with our luggages) to Holiday Inn Hotel initially (no clear signs) but went in to check if anyone could take us as we had 7 luggages to carry. The concierge gladly helped us arrange for a mini van to shuttle us over to the hotel. We stayed 3D2N at this hotel for our ski trip. We were offered early check-in at a price but decided to check-in later after visiting the ski gear rental shop and a quick lunch. However, when we tried to check-in around 2pm the staff gave us the same reply so we asked for waiver and were granted early check-in without any charges. The room was not only large and comfy but also faces the slopes directly. The bathroom was huge too (no bath tub, only standing shower, which we liked). The staff at the front desk and concierge were always very helpful even in such cold weather (temperature went down to -15 degrees on one of the days). The hotel's breakfast although pricey (at 28,000 KRW/34 SGD per pax) had very good variety and food quality was very good. We liked it so much we had their breakfast on both mornings. Ooh and we even saw a Korean celebrity during breakfast on the last day. I will definitely stay at Holiday Inn again should I come back to Alpensia for another ski holiday. Other highlights: The slopes were not crowded (compared to YongPyong). Very easy access to the slopes from this hotel. Soothing ambience at the lobby lounge. Had fun at the small casino. Convenient stores and restaurants within short walk. Things to take note: Do check your bill properly when checking out (my cousin was overcharged for breakfast by mistake but they managed to resolve the error in the end). The hotel may wish to consider placing more anti-slip mats/strips at the glass doors as we almost slipped quite a few times. More English/Chinese based information would be appreciated as well (we couldn't locate the sledding ticket booth despite following the instructions).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Metro Hotel; City: Seoul; Review: Booked Metro based on the reviews, reasonable room rates and its close proximity to food & shopping within Myeongdong. Hotel is easily accessible via Airport Limo Bus 6015 and Seoul Metro Subway. We stayed here for 4 nights in Jan. Service was good but could be better. The staff's English was quite good as well. They also provide complimentary breakfast (limited choice) and humidifiers available for free use. Individual air-con/heater available in room is another reason why we stayed here (Ibis' rooms were stuffy when we last stayed there). Were gifted free samples from Etude House upon check-in and check-out (for ladies only). 1) We were not notified of any construction/renovation going on until I saw a message on their Facebook about this. Only when we asked did they admit the hotel is undergoing renovation. My cousin could hear the reno noise in her Deluxe room but we didn't hear any in the Std B room. 2) Absolutely no early check-in - They give the standard reply that rooms will not be ready before 3pm....but when we are willing to pay, the rooms become available for early check-in (they wanted to charge 1 night's rate but we managed to bargain for 50% off for check-in at 9am) 3) We asked for a jumbo cab to bring us to Seoul station (to take the AREX to airport) but the front desk lady didn't inform the cab company properly ended up the cab driver kept using vulgar language on us (my husband knew this from his korean friends) when he knew we were only heading to Seoul Station instead of Incheon Airport. 4) Insufficient electrical sockets and table space, wash basin height lower than usual, not sure if carpet floors were cleaned well (saw a screw at 1 corner and still there when we check-in again after going ski resort for 2 nites). I was so tempted to change hotel after spending 2 nights in Holiday Inn Hotel Alpensia. Room rates considered one of the most reasonable for hotels within the Myeongdong shopping area. Nothing could beat the location as Metro is in the middle of here and there. You can easily find food right below and shopping just a few steps away (1 money changer a few steps away offered very good rates). However, I'll likely try other hotels (The Grand, Savoy, Nine Tree) within the area the next time I visit.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mountain Condo; City: Jeongseon gun Gangwon do; Review: Stayed 1 night for a short ski trip last week. The new wing where we were placed was quite a distance from the ski slopes, ski lifts and gondola. Honestly, this part of the condo seems quite deserted that we thought we are the only ones staying there (anyway it's the start of the ski season so we understand the crowd wouldn't be here till Dec). Facilities looks new and clean though. The Deluxe Room we stayed in comes with 2 bedrooms (bedroom and ondol room) and 2 bathrooms. Suitable for family of 3-4. Bed is a little hard and it would be better if more pillows were provided as the ones provided is simply too soft. Do bring your own toiletries as the condo only have soap and towel. Kitchen has sufficient tools for simple cooking and eating. The restaurant at the new wing was not in operation but a CVS convenience store is available though. The rest of the facilities are located at the old wing (restaurants, ski rental, ski lifts & gondola, games room, etc). There is an hourly shuttle (a distance from the rooms) which takes us to Kangwonland Hotel where there are more restaurants and also the casino. Overall our ski experience at High 1 is only so-so hence we likely wouldn't return in future.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In Sky Hotel; City: Xitun Taichung; Review: Found this hotel through Google Maps and saw pretty good reviews on Tripadvisor hence decided to book for 1 night. We took up the credit card promotion for weekday stay. (We returned for a 2nd night stay after discovering that our lodging at Lushan turned out to be a horribly old and rundown place). It was much better than my expectations as In Sky is a new hotel (opened in 2014) and also one that's nearest the Fengjia night market (google maps says 3mins walk). The front desk lady, Olivia, who checked us in was very friendly and even highlighted the main areas of the night market which we should visit. The hotel is very thoughtful as they provided a map of the night market with locations of recommended food stalls. Our MARS room is located at level 3. Although the layout of the bathroom was a little odd (wash basin outside of the bathroom/toilet, the room was cozy and the size is sufficient for 2 large luggage and 2 adults. Bed is large and comfy but only 2 pillows were given hence we called to ask for 2 more. Overall we had rather good sleep here. Complimentary bottled water and mini bar drinks were provided (although the mini bar only had 2 fizzy drinks). By the way, the room is soundproof hence its best to ensure your door is properly closed/locked before you walk away. The complimentary international buffet breakfast has quite good variety with both American breakfast and chinese food options. Food replenishment was quite prompt as well. Apart from the usual facilities, In Sky also provides complimentary use of their foot spa (but closes at 10pm which I felt was too early as people usually visit the night market till late). One thing I find it odd was the speed of the lifts. Sometimes had to wait for quite awhile before one comes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Metro Hotel; City: Seoul; Review: We have stayed at Metro in Jan 2014 when the renovations were still going on and decided to give it another try in Nov after all renovations were completed. The rooms are brighter and better after the upgrade. We stayed at the corner queen rooms on both visits. Improvements seen in this visit: 1) The new and sleek combined aircon & heater system. 2) Room air purifier 2) One remote controls almost everything in the room (TV, aircon, heater, lighting). 3) Brighter colour theme which gives the room a cleaner and neater look & feel. 4) Larger lounging space at reception level. 5) Starbucks - Such a convenience to be able to grab a hot soothing latte before you head out to brave the cold. 6) Improved desk/dresser area and increased number of charging sockets/outlets [Metro is thoughtful enough to place 1 socket beside each side of the bed] Same as previous visit 1) The sink is still at the same low (& uncomfortable) level. 2) Toilet and space for own toiletries is still as small as ever. 3) Breakfast is still good although simple and with limited variety 4) Sleep quality is still as good as previous visit (although my cousin says they can hear noises/loud talking likely coming from the shops around the hotel) 5) Price remains reasonable for the location and service quality Need improvements 1) Water from bath area spilled over to the dry area due to the design of the glass door. 2) Concierge at level 1 did not know/know very limited English. Had a difficult time trying to ask them to call a cab for us. Ended up asking them to put us through to front desk instead. (Anyway, walking out to the main road to flag down a cab is much faster than waiting for the hotel to get one for you).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amba Taipei Ximending; City: Wanhua Taipei; Review: Having stayed at several hotels in ximending prior to amba, wouldn't say I'm impressed but it wasn't that bad either. Price is high since its during new year but seems this is normal price for hotels during the peak period. Booking was a breeze, customer service was ok, room basically good enough for 2 and 1 large + 1 med size luggages. Nothing fantastic about the decor though, looks pretty no-frills with a young vibe. We did not opt for breakfast since its easy to get food in the area. Shopping is just downstairs (eslite dept store, cafe and other shops below). Sleep wasn't bad just that the pillows are too soft for our liking. And the rooms can get quite cold. Hotel uses ginger shower gel and soap which is something interesting. They sell these products at lobby too. I likely wouldn't stay at amba again as I do wish to checkout other hotels in the areas if I ever go back. Plus our hotel stay wasn't that memorable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amari Phuket; City: Patong Kathu Phuket; Review: Tucked at the end of Patong beach and offers pretty good views of the sea. One can walk out to Patong beach easily or opt for the tuktuk service available via concierge. Doesn't look old overall (likely renovated in recent years) though I can't say the same about the public access washrooms. The resort spans over a large area hence complimentary buggy service is provided for one to move around with ease. We stay in a one bedroom suite (ocean view) located at the new Ocean Wing. It does face the sea but is also nearer Patong beach so there is limited sea view. Our stay came with complimentary clubhouse access. The clubhouse offers limited food options but provides free snacks for users. This place offers a good view of the sea and more privacy though the infinity pool is smaller. The beach within the resort area is not quite suitable for sunbathing so its better to do this at the pools (2 main, 1 at clubhouse). Food at the restaurants are pretty good especially La Gritta. We took a trip to the jetty located near the spa for some great pictures and could see people snorkeling there as well. I must compliment the resort mgmt though. The VP actually walked around to mingle with the guests and also make it a point to make small talk. They even went the extra mile to provide complimentary snacks delivered our room and included newspapers from our home country. Note: Flies at Rim Talay and the pool beside. Do remember to use insect repellent as there are plenty of mosquitoes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo; City: Shinjuku Tokyo Tokyo Prefecture Kanto; Review: The hotel is located about 8-10 mins away from Shinjuku train station. We took a cab from Shinjuku station to the hotel after alighting the airport limo bus. If walking underground, try to go towards the direction where Kabukicho/Shinjuku City Office is located (Exit 15B). Keep the Japanese hotel name and address handy in case you need to ask for directions. There are plenty of eateries, shops and malls around the area. A large convenience store, Lawson, is right downstairs as well. We did see some adult entertainment joints in the area but nothing much to be alarmed about as there was no rowdy customers or touting. Basically we just saw some men stationed outside the shops and that's about it. Given a room at level 12 (which requires us to scan our card to access). The room was clean and comfortable though smaller than expected (which is probably normal for hotels in Tokyo). Honestly the room felt like it was more for 1 person instead of 2. There's a sofa which we couldn't use due to the limited space available so we used it to place our luggage instead. The double bed provided is smaller than a standard queen size as well. Hotel staff are polite and are able to speak English so we had no communication issues. In addition to the usual amenities in the room, the hotel also provide toothbrush & paste sets, shower caps and wash towels which you can obtain at the reception desk. There is also a currency exchange machine beside the coffee machine but the rates aren't very good though.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Vista Sapporo Odori; City: Chuo Sapporo Hokkaido; Review: Watermark Sapporo is accessible via the covered walkway of the Tanukikoji shopping arcade through a small door beside South Saloon restaurant. Hotel is located within the Tanukikoji shopping area and Pole Town so you can easily find convenience stores, pharmacies, restaurants, Don Quijote, Daiso, etc right below the hotel. The Chitose Airport bus stop is also just 1 min walk away. You can also choose to walk from Odori subway station or Susukino subway station if taking the JR from airport (but need to change to subway Namboku Line at JR Sapporo Station). No issues with noise as our twin room faces another building (we stayed in rooms 811 and 412 on two different dates). No view either but does not matter to us since we are out most of the time. The twin room is definitely more spacious and allowed us room to walk comfortably even with 2 large luggage open. Breakfast was not included in our stay so can't comment on that. Hotel provides electric kettle, humidifier, electrical outlets above the bed, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, comb, cotton buds, towels. The hotel staff can understand but do not speak English well. Hotel does not provide bottled water unless you opt for their Eco Cleaning service so best to get your water from the convenience stores below otherwise you will have to pay JPY140 to get one 550ml bottle from the vending machine at level 2. We asked for complimentary late check-out (till 1145am, checkout time is 11am) on our last day as our flight doesn't leave until 4pm but was told we have to pay JPY1000 for that instead. The toilet is separated from the bathroom (which I feel is good) but the toilet is so small it'll probably be an issue for people of bigger size. If you have an issue with this then better to opt for a hotel with combined toilet & bath.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ki Niseko; City: Kutchan cho Abuta gun Hokkaido; Review: We booked Ki Niseko as its advertised as a ski in/ski out hotel and its really right beside the slopes and very near the Holiday Pair lift and Hirafu Gondola Station. Reaching the hotel was not difficult with the complimentary shuttle to/from several places near the hotel and also Kutchan station. But it would've been better if they had provide an hourly shuttle to/from Kutchan station during the winter season. Service was very good and I would say probably one of the better ones in Japan as they have native English speakers working for the hotel. We asked for recommendations for restaurants and the front desk gave us a brief summary of each and every restaurant she recommended. Ki Niseko provided a one-stop service for your ski gear rental and lift pass purchase as well. Late check-out on our last day was also granted without much hassle. The Samue which the hotel provided is a very thoughtful gesture which allows you to dress comfortably within the hotel. The complimentary private family onsens (public ones also available) are a plus as well. The Yotei view room had such a good picturesque view of Mt Yotei that we couldn't help taking pictures whenever there's a chance. Complimentary breakfast was okay, nothing fantastic but at least kept us full till the next meal. To be honest, there are better restaurants outside so you can probably give the in-house restaurant a miss. Overall we had a good stay with Ki Niseko and would very much recommend this hotel if you would like to experience all these under one roof.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam; City: Bangkok; Review: Have been staying at Novotel Bangkok Platinum every year (sometimes twice a year) since 2013 and still love this place. You will experience non-stop shopping and abundant choices of food from the Pratunam area and beyond (Platinum Fashion Mall, Pratunam Market, BigC, CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, Siam Square and street/night markets). A number of shops providing massage and nail services are easily available as well. Service at Novotel is always good (as usual). We would like to make a special mention about P. Ann, the lady who make up our room (2214) at Level 22. She always greets us with her warm smile and insisted on cleaning our room even though we mentioned there is no need to. She even gave our room priority so we can head back to R&R after our breakfast at the hotel. Thank you, P. Ann :) Breakfast standards have gone down however. I would've opt out if I had known that and we skipped breakfast on the last day because we got sick of the lack of choices. The restaurant also needs some major cleaning as I see that booth seats and partitions were dirty. Overall our stay at Novotel is still good but probably will be better if the hotel can do some updating/major cleaning as certain areas are getting tired and old. I.e. Stains on bed headboard and shower area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Clear Shoulder tote with Inside & Outside POCKETS and ZIPPER Closure; Brand: Ensign Peak; Review: I bought this bag again because when I go to events I don't have to worry about people wanting to look inside my bag. Plus the fact that I work in retail and we have to have clear bags just makes it easier for me to carry things around. Also I can always find what I am looking for; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clear Shoulder tote with Inside & Outside POCKETS and ZIPPER Closure; Brand: Ensign Peak; Review: I bought this bag again because when I go to events I don't have to worry about people wanting to look inside my bag. Plus the fact that I work in retail and we have to have clear bags just makes it easier for me to carry things around. Also I can always find what I am looking for; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ASICS Women's GT-1000 Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: I bought these as I have been looking for a new pair of sneakers with a good cushion. I suggest getting these but don't base your opinion on when you first try them on. At first I thought they wouldn't fit right but then wore them again and find that they do the job that I want them to do.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Olympia Luggage 29" 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag, Navy, One Size; Brand: Olympia; Review: bag is great but you have to realize that if you are going to stand it up the items in it will fall to the bottom. I used it because of the fact that i was going away for 2 weeks and needed to pack for different weather conditions.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Isotoner Men's Microterry Clog Slippers; Brand: ; Review: These were a gift for my father as a replacement for a pair that he had worn out after a year. He doesn't wear them all the time but they are a comfortable slipper that has a good bottom sole that the slipper can be used either inside or outside which is what i have been lookiing for.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Anne Klein Sport Women's Able Fabric Ballet Flat; Brand: ; Review: I bought these as I thought they would be a good shoe for work. If you must get a size bigger. Also it's a pointed toe which I am not a fan of. I have had to return them.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crocs Women's Mammoth Ballet Flat; Brand: ; Review: So I read previous reviews about ordering a size up if you wear thick socks. So I bought a size up and wore thick socks and yet i feel that they were to big even with the socks on. I would say buy your regular shoe size and try them on with the socks you would normally wear and if it's a problem see about exchanging them. I feel that they are comfortable except that since they are a bit big i have to stuff them. I would definately recommend them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fergalicious Women's Lara Slouch Boot; Brand: Fergalicious; Review: The fact that it has my name in it is what made me purchase the boot; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: House (1986); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Craft, The (1996); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bambi (1942); Genres: Animation, Children, Drama; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Santa Clause, The (1994); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (Halloween 7: The Revenge of Laurie Strode) (1998); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Weird Science (1985); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Taxi Driver (1976); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Kings (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lost Highway (1997); Genres: Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Film-Noir, Mystery, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scream 2 (1997); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Memento (2000); Genres: Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Along Came a Spider (2001); Genres: Action, Crime, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Blow (2001); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hannibal (2001); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Josie and the Pussycats (2001); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Freddy Got Fingered (2001); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Osmosis Jones (2001); Genres: Action, Animation, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Apple, The (Sib) (1998); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark City (1998); Genres: Adventure, Film-Noir, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dracula (1931); Genres: Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Exorcist, The (1973); Genres: Horror, Mystery; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Village of the Damned (1960); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (a.k.a. Ghost Busters) (1984); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scream (1996); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Halloween (1978); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Poltergeist (1982); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Werewolf in London, An (1981); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Eraserhead (1977); Genres: Drama, Horror; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost Boys, The (1987); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Carrie (1976); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nightmare on Elm Street, A (1984); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hunger (1983); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: From Hell (2001); Genres: Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gremlins (1984); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994); Genres: Drama, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Army of Darkness (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dracula (Bram Stoker's Dracula) (1992); Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Psycho (2000); Genres: Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Heavy Metal (1981); Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blair Witch Project, The (1999); Genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Little Shop of Horrors, The (1960); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Others, The (2001); Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: From Dusk Till Dawn (1996); Genres: Action, Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wes Craven's New Nightmare (Nightmare on Elm Street Part 7: Freddy's Finale, A) (1994); Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Mouth of Madness (1995); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bringing Out the Dead (1999); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jeepers Creepers (2001); Genres: Horror; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Thirteen Ghosts (a.k.a. Thir13en Ghosts) (2001); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocky Horror Picture Show, The (1975); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Musical, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scream 3 (2000); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Wolf (1994); Genres: Drama, Horror, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cat's Eye (1985); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Latini Family Hotel; City: Nafplio Argolis Region Peloponnese; Review: Great service..Very clean hotel and very well located. As a family of five persons we got the family room and we had to climb with all our luggage to the third floor in a tiny stair room. The hotels crew is very friendly and. helpful. It's ideal for romantic vacations, business, and solos...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Angels Villas; City: Livadia Paros Cyclades South Aegean; Review: We are a family of five with adolescents. We spent a week in the villa on September 2012. The villa is very comfortable and very well equipped . George the owner is very helpful in everything you need. Except the beautiful villas and the nice sweeming pool the villas are located five minutes drive from the beautiful and photogenic town of Nausa.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vancouver Studios; City: London England; Review: A very small hotel. Close to Bayswater underground. The hotel is decorated nicely. It has a beautiful garden at the back side.the rooms are a bit tiny but it doesn't disturb the total experience. very friendly staff.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Port Hotel Tel Aviv; City: Tel Aviv Tel Aviv District; Review: We stayed at the hotel for only one night. The hotel was clean, the staff was helpful. The hotel has a very nice location (just by Tel Aviv port) . The breakfast was OK and the price was reasonable . Don't expect high floors or balconies , It's a very small but nice and modern hotel. We enjoyed our stay & probably will return...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Krasas Beach Apts; City: Larnaca Larnaka District; Review: We stayed in Krasas beach appt. for 4 nights. The apartment is well equipped, located on Larnacas promenad very close to Larnacas main attractions . The appt is very nice (much nicer than the photographs on the site. It was great also to know Natalie that was very helpful for every need we had. The appt has a private parking, which is a great advantage in the center of Larnaca. I'm sure we'll stay there again in our next visit.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alegria Villas; City: Vasilikos Zakynthos Ionian Islands; Review: We had an amazing vacation in Alegria villas . Beautiful location, quiet and peaceful area of the island. Many beaches in the area, with amazing clear blue water. Lia the owner was very helpful for everything we needed. Each villa has a little swimming pool. Fully equipped kitchen.. I really hope to come again. Goodbye Zakynthos!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: ISOTONER Men's Microterry Slip on Slippers; Brand: ; Review: These are great slippers. They fit well and have a decent amount of padding. I would purchase them again in the future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: RSG Men's & Women's Anti-Slip Grip Slipper Multi Pack (Assorted Colors); Brand: RSG; Review: These are great for lounging around the house. I would prefer that they were a little taller, but they do cover my ankles.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Key Apparel Men's Big & Tall Long Sleeve Premium Denim Enzyme Washed Shirt; Brand: Key Apparel; Review: I ordered this shirt for my husband and he loves it. I think he would wear it every day if he could.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KingSize Men's Big & Tall Terry Bathrobe With Pockets; Brand: ; Review: This is a great robe; it's thick terrycloth and is well made. I had to return it though, because it fit about a size too large, even on my "king sized" husband. He is extremely happy with the next size down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KingSize Men's Big & Tall Terry Bathrobe With Pockets; Brand: ; Review: This is a great robe; it's thick terrycloth and is well made. I had to return it though, because it fit about a size too large, even on my "king sized" husband. He is extremely happy with the next size down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 6 PC Sunglass Eyeglass Microfiber Soft Lens Cloth Carry Bag Pouch Case (BLACK); Brand: moda; Review: They are nice sunglass/eyeglass pouches that keep my lens from getting scratched or smudged.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New Balance Men's MW577 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe; Brand: ; Review: I bought these for my husband, but ended up returning them because the velcro straps were too short. If you are plus-sized, the straps will probably be too short for you.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mens Pocket Tee's 6.1-ounce, 100% Cotton T-Shirts in Regular, Big and Tall Sizes; Brand: Joe's USA; Review: I bought this shirt in several colors for my husband and he really likes them. I'll probably end up buying a few more colors for him. If you frequently shop at the "big and tall" stores, you'll see what a great value they are for the price. They fit well and have the all-important pocket to hold his cell phone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gold Toe Women's 6-Pack Turn Cuff Sock; Brand: ; Review: Very comfortable socks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New Balance Women's WW411v2 Walking Shoe; Brand: ; Review: These shoes are very comfortable and have a lot of cushioning. I would prefer more arch support, but they aren't bad.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New Balance Women's WW411v2 Walking Shoe; Brand: ; Review: These shoes are very comfortable and have a lot of cushioning. I would prefer more arch support, but they aren't bad.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hollywood Star Fashion Plain Long Spaghetti Strap Tank Top Camis Basic Camisole Cotton Plus Size; Brand: Hollywood Star Fashion; Review: So far, I like it. Hopefully, it will hold up to frequent wear.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Notorious R.B.G. Funny Progressive, Liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg Unisex T-Shirt Black; Brand: ; Review: Nice, lightweight t-shirt.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hanes Women's Comfortsoft Cotton Hipster Panty (Pack of 6); Brand: ; Review: These are very soft and comfortable. I'd buy them again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fruit of the Loom Assorted Bikini - 6 Pack (6DBSBK2); Brand: ; Review: I like them so much that I just bought a second package. They are lightweight and super soft. The colors are a little drab, but after 25 years of marriage, I buy my lingerie based upon comfort not to impress.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Italian Sterling Silver Spiga Bracelet; Brand: Amazon Collection; Review: Beautiful bracelet; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BERRICLE Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Channel Set Cubic Zirconia CZ Anniversary Eternity Band Ring; Brand: ; Review: Very beautiful; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nucelle Women's Genuine Leather Shoulder Handbags with Lichi Grain; Brand: Nucelle; Review: Beautiful; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brahmin Duxbury Satchel Convertible Top-Handle Bag; Brand: ; Review: I love it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Liliana Cruz Embroidered Mexican Peasant Dress; Brand: Liliana Cruz; Review: Very nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Cley Windmill; City: Cley Next the Sea Holt Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: Stayed in Dovecote for three nights and had the most relaxing time. Superb accommodation with many extra little touches e.g. fresh milk and biscuits on arrival, luxury toiletries supplied. Quality bed linen and sumptuous towels enhanced our stay in The Dovecote. Although we booked on a self catering basis, we had both an evening meal and breakfast in the windmill. The atmosphere was friendly, service excellent and food delicious. We definitely recommend the restaurant. We have already booked a return visit for early next year and look forward to another relaxing holiday in a beautiful setting. Thank you to all the team at Cley Windmill for making our stay exceptional.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The White Horse; City: Blakeney Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: Visiting Blakeney & Cley area next year with a group of 11 friends. Thought we would try the White Horse out as 5 of our group will be staying at the White Horse and we all intend to eat here at least once. Food was really good, although my my partners main course, double baked goats cheese soufflé was missing walnuts in the accompanying salad. Small issue, but did not detract from a really good meal out. Service fantastic, waiter ( Toby ) could not have looked after us better.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blakeney House; City: Blakeney Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: We recently booked into Blakeney House for 2 nights, when our usual Norfolk bolt hole was fully booked. We were met by Dominic, who showed us to the beautifully appointed and spacious Holkham room. He then invited us down for complementary afternoon tea and cake, a nice touch. Everything you could want for a boutique, seaside B & B clean, comfortable rooms and fantastic breakfasts.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cley Windmill; City: Cley Next the Sea Holt Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: Just spent the most amazing week at Cley Windmill to celebrate my 65th Birthday. As usual, the service from Simon, Sarah and the rest of the team was fantastic. The chef Emma produced the most fantastic meal for my party of 12. We started with Asparagus, had a beautiful main of pan fried Salmon and finished with Pear Tarte Tatin. The surroundings make this venue a fantastic place to have a celebration. The rooms are all unique, so different from your typical chain hotel room. If you want to visit North Norfolk, stay here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cley Windmill; City: Cley Next the Sea Holt Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: Staying in Blakeney for a 2 week break and meeting up with friends. Booked into Cley Windmill for dinner on Sunday 21st January. Starter of Chicken Liver Pate, followed by just the best Roast Beef, as a main course and Chocolate Brownie for dessert. Service brilliant, ambiance great and company fantastic. So impressed, made a booking to stay at the Windmill in March, looking forward to eating here again. Derek from Boroughbridge; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kimpton Fitzroy London; City: London England; Review: We booked into this beautiful hotel for one night as we needed somewhere to stay in London. My wife and I were blown away by the opulence of the interiors and its old world charm. The hotel staff could not have been more welcoming and friendly from the moment we set foot through the door. We checked in early before our room was ready but received a fantastic reception from Inma Moleon the reception manager. She took our bags and advised she would phone us once the room was ready. When we arrived back, we were given our keys only to find we had been upgraded to a suite. The room was so luxurious, with fantastic toiletries, snacks and ambience. This was the first time we have stayed and will definitely be returning on one of our frequent trips to London and yes I know they can’t upgrade us every time; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cley Windmill; City: Cley Next the Sea Holt Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: We recently stayed in the River Room at Cley Windmill and decided to eat in the restaurant. This was one of many trips we have made to this very special place. If you have never been, it offers superb dining with a 3 course set menu published about a month in advance. On the night we ate, the starter was a delightful Jalepino and Cheddar tartlet with Tzatziki dressing. This was followed by Braised Beef short ribs with Horseradish mash, roasted Parsnips and wilted Leeks and for desert, Chocolate Brownie with Pistachio ice cream. Coffee was taken on the terrace,overlooking the sea marshes with the most beautiful sunset. The service was excellent throughout, the food fantastic, the ambience is very special in this unique setting. Our favourite place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Fudoki; Author: Visit Amazon's Kij Johnson Page; Review: I had a longer review written up, but the internet ate it and I don't feel like writing it all again. Let's just say it's an excellent marriage of Eastern folklore storytelling and Western narratives. Absolutely beautiful. I loved both this one and The Fox Woman, but I think I liked this one slightly more due to the fact that my cats won't forgive me otherwise.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You Suck: A Love Story (Bloodsucking Fiends); Author: Visit Amazon's Christopher Moore Page; Review: Christopher Moore is my favorite author, and I especially couldn't put this whole trilogy down once I began to read it. I devoured this book (and the others) in record time and laughed out loud often. My husband is hooked on them as well, and it was great to be able to discuss plot points and characters with him. When I came to this trilogy, even though a huge fan of his work, I thought, "Oh great, another vampire story," since I've gotten a tad burned-out on the overdose of vampires and zombies in the media -both subcultural and popular- everywhere you look these days. Turned out I loved these books, the characters are rich and not just one-dimensional, and they're funny as hell. I have a page of one-liners from Moore because he's so incredibly good at them. Dark, twisted, witty and hilarious - those are his books in a whole. Word from the wise - don't take any of these books to the bathroom with you. I did, and wound up getting lost in the story for god-knows-how-long. It's hard to find a sufficient stopping place, most especially on Abby's ranting "blog entries," and I wound up with numb legs and fearing the ring around my butt would be permanent. I didn't reemerge from the story until my husband knocked on the door to see if I had fallen in or "pulled an Elvis" or something. Totally worth it, not just another vampire story, not just another love story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Church Mouse; Author: Visit Amazon's Graham Oakley Page; Review: These books are just as beautifully drawn as I remember from when I was a little kid and my mom and I used to spend hours looking through them. I got a couple of them for my mom for Mother's Day as a reminder of the past.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Church Mice adrift; Author: Graham OAKLEY; Review: The Church Mice books by Graham Oakley were my favorite books when I was very little, and I bought a couple of my old favorite for my mom as a present for Mother's Day. The drawings are just as intricate and beautiful as I remember.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wildflowers of Texas; Author: Visit Amazon's Geyata Ajilvsgi Page; Review: I just moved to Texas last year and wanted to learn what the plants around me were. This is a great little field guide, and has helped me quite a bit in identifying the wildflowers around me. I bought a used copy from a private seller and the book I received was a very old edition (the copy I checked out from the library repeatedly before I broke down and purchased the book was a newer edition and had a few changes and more flowers in it) and it was a bit more worn than the description led me to believe, but it works. The book itself is great! It's very clear and concise, it's well arranged and pretty easy to find what I'm looking for. The edges of the pages have colors dividing them into sections so that you can look up a flower by the dominant color of its petals. I love this book and am glad I got it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Half a War (Shattered Sea); Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Abercrombie Page; Review: I absolutely love this author, and I devoured his first two books. I've been looking forward to this one. I'm part way through it and the writing and story hold up nicely. I'm going to look for more work by this author, I'm really glad I stumbled onto Half A King at the library. I purchased Half A War rather than borrowing it from the library so I could take my time with it and not be rushed by someone else putting it on hold before I was done.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Patrick Rothfuss Page; Review: Patrick Rothfuss is one of my favorite writers, and my only lament is that he's a relatively new author and doesn't have a large backlog of previous books to work my way through. I devoured this series as quickly as I could and am definitely wanting more. He has an amazing way with words that leaves me re-reading the paragraph a few times in appreciation of the craftsmanship.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bats of the Republic: An Illuminated Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Zachary Thomas Dodson Page; Review: I love this book. The story is fascinating, and the illustrations are beautiful and intricate. I'm only lamenting that this author doesn't have many other books for me to binge-read, because I really like his style. I'd love to see a sequel for this book, the world it creates is one I would like more detail to immerse myself in. Upon finishing the book, I immediately went to Goodreads to look for clues to the story that I had missed, decided to read it again soon, and thought about storylines that other books in a series could explore.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Two Serpents Rise (Craft Sequence); Author: Visit Amazon's Max Gladstone Page; Review: Max Gladstone is my favorite author. I discovered his series through Goodreads.com's suggestions, and I'm very thankful they pointed it out to me. My husband and I are in love with these books. Whichever of us finishes the book first eagerly awaits the other person finishing it so we can discuss it. I read the whole series (except for the newest) in library book format, but just bought the whole series so I can have it at home when one of us wants to read through it again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three Parts Dead (Craft Sequence); Author: Visit Amazon's Max Gladstone Page; Review: Max Gladstone is my favorite author. I discovered his series through Goodreads.com's suggestions, and I'm very thankful they pointed it out to me. My husband and I are in love with these books. Whichever of us finishes the book first eagerly awaits the other person finishing it so we can discuss it. I've read the whole series and eagerly await the next one. The author is very inclusive in his characters, including race, sexual orientation, and ability, and I really love that. It's great to see all kinds of people in fantasy fiction, a realm that is typically reserved for the pearly white. I originally read the whole series (save the most recent ) from library books, but I recently bought all of the books so my husband and I could reread them when we feel like it and to support the author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Full Fathom Five: A Novel of the Craft Sequence; Author: Visit Amazon's Max Gladstone Page; Review: Max Gladstone is my favorite author. I discovered his series through Goodreads.com's suggestions, and I'm very thankful they pointed it out to me. My husband and I are in love with these books. Whichever of us finishes the book first eagerly awaits the other person finishing it so we can discuss it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Last First Snow: A Novel of the Craft Sequence; Author: Visit Amazon's Max Gladstone Page; Review: Max Gladstone is my favorite author. I discovered his series through Goodreads.com's suggestions, and I'm very thankful they pointed it out to me. My husband and I are in love with these books. Whichever of us finishes the book first eagerly awaits the other person finishing it so we can discuss it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Four Roads Cross: A Novel of the Craft Sequence; Author: Visit Amazon's Max Gladstone Page; Review: Max Gladstone became my favorite author with this book, and I've devoured every other book in this series since. His stories are so vivid and engaging, and his writing is so good eloquent that I sometimes find myself re-reading passages because the turn of phrase is so finely worded.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You (The Oatmeal); Author: Visit Amazon's The Oatmeal Page; Review: Very cute book. I love this author's humor and illustration style. Great gift for a cat lover.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Merrell Men's Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe; Brand: Merrell; Review: Perfect fit , quality and price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Men's Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe; Brand: Merrell; Review: Perfect fit , quality and price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dockers Men's Signature Khaki Big and Tall Pleated Pant; Brand: ; Review: Well made. Good fit. Great value. Really don't understand the pricing by size and color.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dockers Men's Big and Tall Easy Khaki Comfort-Waist Classic-Fit Pleated Pant; Brand: ; Review: Well made, good fit. Not up to the usual Dockers quality fabric though. Fig color is unusual. Between brown and green. I have a closet of casual pants, so a new color is a plus.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New Balance Men's MC696 Lightweight Tennis Shoe; Brand: ; Review: Perfect for tennis. I have a D width and normally find most tennis shoes too wide.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wrangler Authentics Big & Tall Canvas Hiker Short; Brand: ; Review: Good product all around. Fabric and fit superior. Priced right. Bought my second one for this summer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hanes Men's 7 Pack Comfortsoft Tagless V-Neck T-Shirt (Bonus Pack); Brand: ; Review: Good product. Good value. High quality not expected from Hanes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: When She Woke; Author: Visit Amazon's Hillary Jordan Page; Review: I think When She Woke should have been titled It's Personal. You'll understand why if you read it! It takes place in the not too distant future America. Hannah, the main character, has been devoted to church and her very strict family all her life, but she's accused of murder when she has an abortion. Roe vs Wade has been overturned. People don't go to prison in this new world. They are "chromed". That is, their skin is genetically altered to a different color, depending on the type of crime they've been convicted of. Hannah's is red. They begin on a table in a bare room wearing only a paper gown with cameras recording their every move, a really sinister form of reality tv. It's a futuristic version of The Scarlet Letter. There are no more lines between church and state and instead of prison, the "criminals" are released back into the general population where everyone can identify the type of crime they've committed and left to survive the best they can. She is forced to question her values and the laws of her country as she tries to find safety. I'm not usually one to read science fiction, but this was a book I couldn't put down!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Dog's Journey: A Novel (A Dog's Purpose); Author: Visit Amazon's W. Bruce Cameron Page; Review: A Dog's Journey by W. Bruce Cameron is a sequel to A Dog's Purpose. I loved both of these! This second one takes up where the last one ended so Purpose should be read first to really appreciate this one. Buddy thinks he has fulfilled his purpose at the end of the first book, but he finds he wasn't done yet in the second one. Journey made me smile and chuckle more often than it made me cry. You would think I would be used to this little dog dying and know he'd be back in another dog's body soon, but I wasn't expecting it so early in the book. I choked up with tears just like the first time. I guess I needed a good cry. So thanks to Mr. Cameron for the tears and smiles and giving me a joyful ending again. He proves once again that our pets take care of us even more than we take care of them!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unbroken: An Extraordinary True Story of Courage and Survival; Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Hillenbrand Page; Review: This is a very powerful true story about a man from Torrance, CA named Louis Zamperini. He was an Olympic track star whose WW II bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean where he survived on a life raft for 47 days surrounded by sharks before being captured by the Japanese and spending 2 horrendous years in a POW camp where he endured brutal hardship and cruelty. He was sustained by superhuman hope and strength, in other words, he remained unbroken. He was a changed man after the war who coped with anger, nightmares, depression and alcoholism. Most of all, it's a story of how he survived and overcame all life threw at him. It's a book well worth finishing to learn how he did all this. I have not seen the movie but, from what I've heard, they left out the most inspirational part of the book that showed how he turned his life around. I believe this ranks among the very best non-fiction books I have ever read! I admire the writer so much for all she has accomplished despite having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since 1987 which keeps her mainly confined to her home. It seems ironic that she chooses to write about physical paragons, but I am so glad she does.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The End of Dieting: How to Live for Life; Author: Joel Fuhrman M.D.; Review: Would the diet industry even exist if we all understood the secret was a steady diet of healthy greens, colorful vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit? Dr. Fuhrman is NOT asking you to diet. Hes asking you to change your fundamental beliefs about food. Its not about will power. The first step is to eat lots of micronutrient-rich (disease-fighing food) to crowd out the cravings for diseasecausing food The most effective way to lose weight safely is to give up losing weight as your goal! Make it your goal to prevent disease and to live pain free as you age. The weight loss will just happen if you follow these 3 most important facts about food and health: 1. Vegetables, beans, seeds, fruits, and nuts are good for you. 2. Excessive amounts of meat or animal products cause disease. 3. Eliminating refined carbohydrates will aid in sustainable weight loss and overall health. He exposes diet myths in the second chapter. He basically says the only diet style that is truly healthful must contain eating large amounts of vegetables and the key to a long disease-free life is to be relatively thin and well nourished with micronutrients. He gives the scientific reasons and cites numerous studies why that is what works. When you lose weight by cutting calories (crash dieting) and gain it back again, you end up fatter than before. The regained weight is harder to lose each time and makes you more susceptible to disease than before you dieted. Losing the fat that surrounds your internal organs (visceral fat) requires a permanent commitment to healthy eating and regular exercise. Before my purchase, I borrowed this book from the library and read it all. It was so full of good information and recipes that I purchased it in hard cover here so that I could highlight it and refer back to the most important parts for me. Both this and Eat to Live were very helpful! I had gone to my heart doctor in June (3 months ago) and was told I needed to lose some weight. She wrote down the name of a book and it was Eat to Live. I laughed and told her I had read it years ago! (I had read the old one published in 2003.) She said "Read it again, and this time do what it says!" I read it again and began changing my eating pattern the very next day. Mind you, I was already eating what I thought was healthy and had eliminated meat and dairy milk years ago so I didn't lose as much as I would have if I had been on the typical SAD diet. I lost 10 pounds in six weeks though!!! More importantly, my cholesterol dropped from 200 to 161 during that same 6-week period! And my BP dropped to 109/76 too! I've since lost another 5 pounds and I'm sure my next check-up and labs will be even better!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Orphan Train: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Christina Baker Kline Page; Review: I mostly enjoyed this book about the Orphan Trains that drove through depression era U.S. to try to help them find homes. Some of the parts are sad and unpleasant to read, but at least they aren't graphic. I must admit I had never heard this part of U.S. history. Kline has carefully researched the 1920s practice of sweeping orphans from the streets of New York and sending them to the Midwest where very little supervision was given to the people who adopted them there, usually for the purpose of slave labor instead of treating them as members of their new families. The book is rich in detail about both that era and the contemporary storyline that goes with it. There are two stories going on in this book and the other concerns the present day foster care system. One of the book's prime strengths is its excellent portrayal of a modern day outcast teenager, Molly, who's looking for her own place in the world. Her father died when she was eight and her mother went downhill after that and wound up in jail. She's found no love in any of the homes she's been placed in. So much has gone wrong in her life that she's come to expect only the worst. Molly is full of angst and she's an outcast at school with only one friend, Jack. She loves reading books with angsty protagonists like Catcher in the Rye and A Bell Jar. Her favorite is Jane Eyre and she wants to own it. She takes an old battered paperback copy of it from the library and is sentenced to fifty hours of community service. Jack helps her by asking his mother to let her spend the 50 hours helping the elderly woman she works for to clean out the old papers and boxes in her attic that she's stashed away over the years. An unlikely friendship develops between Molly and the ninety-one year old neighbor, Vivian. Molly likes organizing things. Vivian confides that she was orphaned herself at nearly the same age so they have that in common. They continue to learn each other's stories through the process of going through the things in the attic. I read this book on vacation and I'm still thinking about these characters weeks later. To me, that is a sign of a very good book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: All the Light We Cannot See; Author: Visit Amazon's Anthony Doerr Page; Review: This is an excellent story of a blind French girl, Marie-Laure, and a German recruit, Werner, who serves Hitler's Youth war machine. Doerr uses radios ability to cross enemy lines as a device to weave together the fate of the young, blind French girl and an orphaned German boy. The girl and her father must flee to a tall rickety old house by the sea and the boy must march with monsters and yet retain his humanity. I kept waiting for them to eventually meet but that only happens for less than a day near the end of the book. I loved the enchanting metaphors and descriptive prose. They are like word paintings. "Bats dive and swoop through clouds of gnats, and the insects scatter and re-form once more. We are mice, he thinks, and the sky swirls with hawks." It's a book meant to be savored slowly to appreciate its beauty. "Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever." "How does the brain which lives without a spark of light, build for us a world full of light?" There were many lessons imparted. I actually felt what it is like to be blind. I learned what it was like for the children in France and Germany during WWII. It was unlike any other story I've ever read about that war. I read somewhere that it took Doerr ten years to write, but it seemed to me like he wanted to finish it up too hurriedly at the end. I loved the beautiful breathtaking writing and would have given it 5 stars for that, but the ending was anticlimactic so I deducted 1 star.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Death In Vienna (Silva, Daniel); Author: Visit Amazon's Daniel Silva Page; Review: I really like this writer. I didn't realize this was the last of a trilogy when I began reading it. I do believe that his books don't necessarily need to be read in the order they were written. His writing is fast-paced, written in short sentences that move the action along quickly. Gabriel Allon is working as an art restorer on a Bellini altarpiece in Venice when the story begins. He learns that a friend of his from the Israeli secret service is near death from a bombing of the Vienna Office of Wartime Claims and Inquiries. His boss, Ari Shamron, wants Gabriel to investigate and find the responsible party. The case becomes personal when Allon, reading his mother's account of her time in the death camp, discovers that his mother was very nearly murdered by an Austrian Nazi terrorist and member of the SS named Erich Wilhelm Radek. Radek was an SS man responsible for he attempted coverup of the deaths of millions of Jews. Action and suspense abound, but this is serious fiction with a serious purpose. There is vital history to be learned and never forgotten in this well-researched novel that is based loosely on actual events.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: After You: A Novel (Me Before You Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Jojo Moyes Page; Review: The ending leaves me with a strong feeling and hope that there will be yet another sequel! I'm looking forward to the movie coming out in June. It's a little bit hard to follow in the beginning, but definitely worth sticking with to the end. It begins about eighteen months after Will's death. Louisa has been living in Paris and traveling. She's bought a flat in London with money Will left her. Still grieving and crying, Louisa climbs out a window and up a fire escape to the roof of the five-story building. She is walking on the parapet and slips off after hearing a girl's voice, falling two floors and bursting through an awning, breaking her fall and surviving but with multiple fractures. She keeps hearing the voice of the paramedic "You never know what will happen when you fall from a great height." This paramedic is an important character in the sequel. There is another important new character, a teenage girl but that's all I'm going to give away. There are so many different kinds of emotions stirred up in this novel! Still, Jojo managed to make me laugh out loud in many parts and hope there would be a third book in the series because I enjoyed it so much!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Still Alice; Author: Visit Amazon's Lisa Genova Page; Review: Even though I had already seen and loved the movie which won the Best Actress Academy Award for Julianne Moore, the book was even better!!! I hated to see it end. The book is written from the perspective of Alice and everything she was feeling as the disease progressed. It begins with her being a 50-year-old professor of linguistics and psychology at Harvard University with a successful husband and three grown children. As the disease progresses and she forgets more and more important things, including being unable to find her way home from Harvard Square when she takes a run that she's taken many times before. She even forgets to go to the airport for a conference in Chicago and misses her flight. She was fifty years old and felt like she might be losing her mind. I learned a lot about Alzheimers. My mother had the disease but she was older when she got it. Only ten percent of people with Alzheimer's have the early-onset form and are under sixty-five years old. The only way it's different from the older form is its cause usually has a strong genetic linkage and it begins earlier. There's a couple of drugs for treating it, Aricept (which is what my mother took) and a newer one called Namenda. Neither is a cure but they slow the progression. Alice has a mutation that has a 50% chance for each of her children to inherit. That mutation has a 100% chance of causing the disease. Pre-symptomatic genetic testing is available if they choose to know. I immediately found another book by Lisa Genova that I also loved because she is such an excellent writer! I wasn't at all disappointed with it either (Inside the O'Briens)! I'm sure I'll continue to read more of her books!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inside the O'Briens: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Lisa Genova Page; Review: I loved this book and I enjoyed it as much as I the first one of Lisa Genova's I read, Still Alice. They were both about families and serious diseases that changed their lives. This one was Huntington's Disease. I knew even less about it than I did about Alzheimers. Less is known about it because it only affects about thirty-seven thousand people in the United States whereas about five million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer's and three million women have breast cancer. "The risk and cost of drug development is high. There's no big lotto jackpot to be made with H.D." It's about an Irish family living in Boston. Joe O'Brien is a respected police officer, a proud father and devoted husband. He's a good man and only forty-three years old when he begins experiencing the symptoms of temper outbursts and involuntary movements and receives the devastating diagnosis. It's an incurable disease with no effective treatment and each of his four adult children has a 50/50 chance of inheriting it. Most of all, like Still Alice, it's a story about the human spirit!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: At Risk; Author: Visit Amazon's Alice Hoffman Page; Review: This is the story of a close-knit family with an 11-year-old daughter, Amanda, and an 8-year-old son, Charlie. Amanda is a champion gymnast in the making. Charlie loves exploring the woodlands around his home to collect specimens and dreams of dinosaurs. Ivan, the father, is an astronomer and Polly, the mother is a photographer. Amanda becomes ill and the devastating news from Amanda's doctor is that she has AIDS. She got it through a blood transfusion during her appendectomy back before blood banks were screened. Her illness affects each of them in different ways. Almost everyone in town and at her school is afraid they will get it. Their friends and neighbors ignore them. Some move their children to private schools. They don't understand that you can only get it by using needles that someone with AIDS has used or through sex with someone who has the virus. "In nature, Ivan knows, anything is possible. Logic is a human assumption, twisted to fit any shape a man wants. Is it any more logical for a child to die than for a bug to walk on water?" It's beautifully written, as all of Alice Hoffman's books are.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life; Author: Visit Amazon's James Bowen Page; Review: This was the true heartwarming story of a man and a street cat who meet and help each other have better lives through the love that develops between them. The man is barely making ends meet by playing guitar on the streets of London. He is a recovering heroin addict. He finds a stray injured cat in a doorway in his apartment building and brings him in to get him back to health. They form a bond with each other from the loving care he gives Bob and the love he is given in return. Ah.....Karma.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Glory Over Everything: Beyond the Kitchen House (Thorndike Press Large Print Basic); Author: Visit Amazon's Kathleen Grissom Page; Review: This was definitely one of the very best books I've read this year! It was a sequel to The Kitchen House which I had read and enjoyed about four years ago but could certainly be a stand-alone book. It definitely has a better ending, very hopeful. Here's an excerpt from the beginning when James is thirteen years old: "On the journey from my home in southern Virginia, I spoke to no one, mute from fear of discovery. I traveled with two secrets, one as damning as the other. The first was that I had killed my father, for though I was raised by his mother as one of her own, and was as white-skinned as my father, he denied me my birthright and was going to sell me for a slave. Because of his murder, patrollers were searching for me and would hang me if I was found." The story is a very compelling one about slavery and man's inhumanity to man during that shameful period in our country. The character development was very good and although they each had their own flaws, don't we all? Some were brave, others were fearful or inhumane. It was much more of a page-turner than I expected. I'll be looking forward to reading any other books Kathleen Grissom writes!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Small Great Things: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Jodi Picoult Page; Review: This book ranks right up there with one of my very favorites, To Kill a Mockingbird. Both books are about racism and an ensuing courtroom trial. The title comes from Ruth's Mama telling her she was destined to do small great things. Just like Dr. Martin Luther King said, "If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." Chapters are written from the viewpoints of three main characters: Ruth, a Yale-educated black labor and delivery nurse who is a mother and a widow, Kennedy, a well-intentioned white public defense attorney trying her first murder case, and Turk, a neo-Nazi skinhead father with a swastika tattoo on his head. Racism is about the disadvantages for people of color that make it harder for them to succeed and it gives advantages to white people that make it easier for them and that's why this book was written. It's to show us that many of the benefits we enjoy in life are the direct result of others not having the same benefits we do. It's a very well written book that I'm glad I read and learned so much from.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home (Myron Bolitar, No. 11); Author: Visit Amazon's Harlan Coben Page; Review: It was a good mystery about 2 boys who were kidnapped at age six with one of them found ten years later. A lot of darkness with some humor thrown in by the Myron Bolitar character to lighten things up. I enjoyed most of it and it was a quick read that I finished in 3 days. Hardan Coben is one of my favorite mystery writers. "Myron stayed on the street for an hour and people-watched. He liked people-watching. Great views of sunsets and water and greens are wonderful, he supposed, but after a while they become something you barely notice. Burt if you're in a spot where you can watch people walk by--every race, gender, size, shape, religion, language, whatever--you are never bored. Everyone is their own universe--a life, a dream, a hope, a sorrow, a joy, a surprise, a revelation, a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end--even when they simply walk by you on the street."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Faithful; Author: Alice Hoffman (author); Review: I knew I would like this book, first because I love Alice Hoffman's writing, then because the epigraph from a Leonard Cohen song was "Ring the bells that still can ring, Forget your perfect offering, There is a crack in everything, That's how the light gets in." The story begins with a car accident that changes the lives of two high school senior girls that were best friends. Shelby was the driver. The friend is badly injured and winds up in a coma. Shelby sees an angel who leans over and covers her with his black coat and tells her she can't give up. "She was shivering and her soul was in her mouth, ready to escape in a puff of air, but the angel kept her on earth." She is diagnosed with major depression, survivor's guilt and post-traumatic stress and spends the next 3 months in a psych hospital. She stops eating and talking and slits her wrist. Her mother is the only one who visits her in the hospital. Then one day she gets a mysterious postcard with no signature or return address. All it says is Say Something. Two years pass before the next card comes. It says Do Something. There is someone, somewhere, who knows she's alive. Even though it begins sadly, it gets better, lots better for Shelby! I'm glad I kept on reading!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wrong Side of Goodbye (A Harry Bosch Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Connelly Page; Review: I've read most of Michael Connelly's books featuring Detective Harry Bosch, and I do believe this is my favorite! I was never bored because it just kept quickly moving along and making me wonder what would happen next. In this one, he's successfully sued the LAPD for forcing him into retirement and is volunteering his services for the San Fernando Police Dept. At the same time, he's working as a private investigator and takes on a case for an aging billionaire who wants Harry to find out if he has a living heir. The book also involves immigrants. "Politicians could talk about building walls and changing laws to keep people out, but in the end they were just symbols. Neither would stop the tide any more than the rock jetties at the mouth of the port did. Nothing could stop the tide of hope and desire."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Born to Run (Wheeler Publishing Large Print Hardcover); Author: Visit Amazon's Bruce Springsteen Page; Review: This was a long autobiography with a lot of repetitive details that could have been left out. He needed a good editor. I have to say I found it rather boring to read the minute details about the guitars he bought, where he bought them, and all his concerts, every song he wrote, where he played, every musician he admired or met, etc. For me, the best parts of the book were the ones in which he talked about his personal feelings, his childhood, his family, growing up, the bouts of depression his father and he both suffered from. These were the parts that interested me much more than all the concerts he did and the songs he wrote. If more of the book had been about those things, I would have liked it so much better and rated it higher. I even enjoyed when he talked about his feelings about the world we live in and what he could do with his songs to help. "After the crash of 2008, I was furious at what had been done by a handful of trading companies on Wall Street. Wrecking Ball was a shot of anger at the injustice that continues on and has widened with deregulations, dysfunctional regulatory agencies and capitalism gone wild at the expense of hardworking Americans. The middle class? Stomped on. Income disparity climbed as we lived through a new Gilded Age. This was what I wanted to write about."; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Sullivan Page; Review: I knew I had to read this as soon as I read that "Fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love." I loved all three of those books, and this one is even better. I loved it! I had trouble putting it down but I wanted it to last longer so I didn't read it all at once. This is not just another war story, it is so much more! One of my favorite notes I made from the book said: "Life is change, constant change, and unless we are lucky enough to find comedy in it, change is nearly always a drama, if not a tragedy. But after everything, and even when the skies turn scarlet and threatening, I still believe that if we are lucky enough to be alive, we must give thanks for the miracle of every moment of every day, no matter how flawed. And we must have faith in God, and in the Universe, and in a better tomorrow, even if that faith is not always deserved."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beneath a Scarlet Sky (Center Point Large Print); Author: Mark T Sullivan; Review: I knew I had to read this as soon as I read that "Fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love." I loved all three of those books, and this one is even better. I loved it! I had trouble putting it down but I wanted it to last longer so I didn't read it all at once. This is not just another war story, it is so much more! One of my favorite notes I made from the book said: "Life is change, constant change, and unless we are lucky enough to find comedy in it, change is nearly always a drama, if not a tragedy. But after everything, and even when the skies turn scarlet and threatening, I still believe that if we are lucky enough to be alive, we must give thanks for the miracle of every moment of every day, no matter how flawed. And we must have faith in God, and in the Universe, and in a better tomorrow, even if that faith is not always deserved."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When Breath Becomes Air; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Kalanithi Page; Review: I found this to be a very inspirational and beautifully written memoir. I'd especially recommend it to anyone who is facing a diagnosis of a terminal illness or loves someone who is. The first ninety percent was beautifully written by an outstanding young brain surgeon with everything to live for who has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The final ten percent is written by the wife he left behind. "Death, so familiar to me in my work, was now paying a personal visit. Here we were, finally face-to-face, and yet nothing about it seemed recognizable. Standing at the crossroads where I should have been able to see and follow the footprints of the countless patients I had treated over the years, I saw instead only a blank, a harsh, vacant, gleaming white desert, as if a sandstorm had erased all trace of familiarity."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Man Called Ove (Thorndike Press Large Print Core Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Fredrik Backman Page; Review: I laughed, I nearly cried, and I loved this book! This was definitely a five star book for me, something I didn't expect when I first began reading it. Ove is a grumpy man who is easily frustrated and can't seem to control the offensive things he says to people. But then, I got to know him better and why he was so negative. The more I got to know Ove and his story, the more empathy I could feel for him. Ove has had a lot of loss and sadness in his life and he seems to have developed a suit of armor over his feelings so he isn't hurt again. He lost his parents when he was sixteen and had to grow up quickly and take care of himself. He fell in love and his heart was broken when his wife died. He visits her grave daily where he leaves flowers and talks to her. This is a quote I liked from the book: "He never understood why she chose him. She loved only abstract things like music and books and strange words. Ove was a man entirely filled with tangible things. He liked screwdrivers and oil filters. He went through life with his hands firmly shoved into his pockets. She danced."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: From Sand and Ash; Author: Visit Amazon's Amy Harmon Page; Review: This wonderful book is a romance between two fictional characters, Eva and Angelo, but it is also based on factual events that occurred during WWII. It is a book about the courage, goodness and heroism of the many priests and nuns and Italian citizens who risked their own lives for the sake of others. Because of them, eighty percent of Italy's Jews survived the war compared to eighty percent of the rest of Europe's Jews who were killed. Angelo came to Italy from the U.S., where he had been raised as a Catholic, in 1929 when he was eleven or twelve, and when he wasn't in school he lived with his grandparents. His grandparents were live-in employees for a Jewish family by the name of Rosselli. Eva was their daughter and a couple years younger than Angelo. Both of them had lost their mothers. On September 5, 1938, there was a new law in Italy that declared that Jewish children could no longer attend public or private schools or be employed in an Italian school from kindergarten to university. It was the first of many laws to come against the Jews. It became illegal for non-Jews to work in Jewish homes. Jews were prohibited from owning homes, etc. They couldn't hold political office or serve in the military. It was against the law for Catholics to marry Jews. The Racial Laws kept getting worse. Jews could no longer practice their trade among non-Jews. Doctors, lawyers, journalists all lost their livelihoods. They were banned from beaches, the mountains, spas, and resorts. They weren't even allowed to own radios. They were barred from certain public buildings. 1939 was even worse. "Sand and ash. The ingredients of glass. Such beauty created from nothing. It had been something Babbo had marveled about and something shed never understood. From sand and ash, rebirth. From sand and ash, new life. With every song and with every prayer, with every small rebellion, Eva felt reborn, renewed, and she vowed to press on. She vowed to push back, to make glass from the ashes, and that courage was a victory in itself."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The 7th Canon; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Dugoni Page; Review: Dugoni writes great police procedurals! This is the fifth book of his I've read. I read the first four of the Tracy Crosswhite series which I also really liked. It was very suspenseful, definitely a page turner! It is about a twenty-eight-year-old, third-year lawyer, Peter Donley, who takes on his first murder case after his very experienced Uncle Lou is hospitalized after a heart attack and stroke. He owes a lot to his uncle who has given his lessons on life in between discussions of legal theories and case strategy over the past three years. Father Martin, a priest who opened and runs the Tenderloin boys' shelter in San Francisco, is accused of first degree murder, although he is a man who has devoted his life to helping teenage runaways. The arraignment is held on Christmas Eve. The judge had a reputation of devouring young, unprepared lawyers. Donley has been advised to say as little as possible and not enter a plea but waive time so he has a chance to review the evidence and prepare a defense. But his client surprises everyone to telling the judge he's not guilty and doesn't need more time to enter his plea. There's not a boring moment in this book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Secret Keeper: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Kate Morton Page; Review: I read and enjoyed this novel by an author who was new to me, Kate Morton, called The Secret Keeper a while back. It was very good and had a lot of twists that I wasn't able to predict! Although I felt that the story dragged a bit in some parts, it was still so good, especially in the parts that took place in WW II, that I forgave the author for the slow parts and enjoyed the book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Collected Works of A. J. Fikry; Author: Visit Amazon's Gabrielle Zevin Page; Review: I really enjoyed this book! The main character is the owner of a bookstore who has lost his wife. He's become bitter and cynical. It's about the people who come into his life and change it, their stories, and of course it's about books too. I'm one of those people who love books and this one had so much to offer. Below are two of my favorite quotes from this book: "Why is any one book different from any other book? They are different, A.J. decides, because they are. We have to look inside many. We have to believe. We agree to be disappointed sometimes so that we can be exhilarated every now and again." We aren't the things we collect, acquire, read. We are, for as long as we are here, only love. The things we loved. The people we loved. And these, I think these really do live on.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Late Show; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Connelly Page; Review: I've read and enjoyed a lot of Michael Connelly's books and especially like his Bosch character. This book introduces a new detective, Renee Ballard, a strong woman who isn't afraid to stand up for herself and is determined to find the truth. She's tough and smart and she never gives up! She had a rough start in life: her father's untimely death, her mother's abandonment of her as a teenager, and a year that she spent homeless. She's goes through a lot in this introductory book, some of it extremely traumatic. I have to say the first half of the story went very slowly for me, and I've enjoyed the Bosch books so much more than this one. I'd be willing to read another book with Detective Ballard as the main character though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Bossypants; Author: Tina Fey; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as I thought I would! This book has been on my shelf for a couple of YEARS, so it was my goal to finally get it out of the way this month and I figured the audiobook would be the way to go since I enjoyed Amy Poehler's Yes Please so much. I love Tina Fey, but this book was truly so boring to me. I just didn't care. I listened to most of it at 2x speed because I just wanted it to END. Mercifully, it was quite short (5.5 hours). That said, I did enjoy hearing some background into Tina's days at 30 Rock and SNL, particularly the chapter about playing Sarah Palin on SNL, as that is easily my favourite thing Tina Fey has ever done. ANYWAY I really did not like this very much, but all in all, I'm glad I finally read it. Phew.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6); Author: J.K. Rowling; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: can't see my screen through the tears this re-read has been MOST painful and utterly worth it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5); Author: J.K. Rowling; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: LIKE. obviously 5/5. forgot how much i love this book; however, i'm POSITIVELY ITCHING to move on to HBP as that is my favourite in the series. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HARRY POTTER AMIRITE; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2); Author: J.K. Rowling; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: (re-read 5/1/15) "yo, harry, that shit you pulled was kinda fucked up...i should totally expel you for it...but you totally, like, defeated the basilisk, so...two hundred points to gryffindor." -albus dumbledore; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4); Author: J.K. Rowling; Genres: young-adult, romance, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Probably the 4th time I've re-read this; STILL CRIED LIKE A BABY; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eleanor and Park; Author: Rainbow Rowell; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I did NOT love this book nearly as much as I thought I would. It was so overhyped, and everyone I knew who read it absolutely loved it, and it sounded right up my alley, but just...NOPE. Rainbow Rowell's writing is incredible and I did genuinely enjoy this story for the most part, but the characters (particularly Eleanor) were so frustrating at times that I frequently had to just shut the book and take a break (hence why it took me over a week to finish). Ughhhhh. DISAPPOINTMENT; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Geography of You and Me; Author: Jennifer E. Smith; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: THIS BOOK WAS DELIGHTFUL. The writing was beautiful, the characters were INCREDIBLE (not to mention mad character development), and it all felt so real. God. I can't even be articulate right now, but damn, I loved this so much. I literally just closed the book about 20 seconds ago, but I'm already pretty sure this is going on my favourites shelf. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING, 5/5, HIGHLY RECOMMEND.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7); Author: J.K. Rowling; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: "All was well." I'm crying a lot and I feel the same way i did in 2007, i.e. "I CAN'T BELIEVE HARRY POTTER IS OVER" i have to be at work in 8 hours goodbye i'm crying oh my god; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries (The Princess Diaries, #1); Author: Meg Cabot; Genres: young-adult, romance, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: fave fave fave fave fave; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Princess Mia (The Princess Diaries, #9); Author: Meg Cabot; Genres: fiction, children, young-adult, romance; Review: ** spoiler alert ** (Re-read Nov. 7-12, 2015) "Dear Mia, Did you just ditch your throne and bring democracy to a country that's never known it? Way to go, Thermopolis! Michael"; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Little Prince; Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupery; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: "It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important." This was my first time reading this in English instead of French, and although I think some things don't come through in translation, I still loved it. Reading Saint-Exupery always reminds me of my childhood in the best way; I have so many memories of my dad reading this to me in French when I was very young.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Everything Leads to You; Author: Nina LaCour; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: THIS BOOK WAS GREAT. it was beautifully written and the characters were lovely, but really i mostly loved this book because i related so so so so so much to emi. as an 18-year-old lesbian, i felt so connected to her and her experiences as...uh, an 18-year-old lesbian. i also love that this is a young adult book because when i was 13 or 14 and just trying to figure myself out and reassure myself that i wasn't a bad christian for liking girls instead of boys and trying to find solace in the young adult section of my library, i couldn't find a single book about a girl who likes girls. not a SINGLE one! because of that, my feelings about this book are kind of two-sided: on one hand, i'm glad this book exists - like, ecstatic that this book exists - for all the younger gay girls who are going to find it in the YA sections of their libraries and maybe realize that it's okay to be the way they are and there's nothing wrong with it and their stories are just as romantic and beautiful as all the straight-teen-YA-romance stuff, but on the other hand, i so wish i had been able to read a book like this when i was their age. i think it would have been incredibly comforting and helpful to my self-esteem and my mental health. all in all, this book was fucking amazing, and it hit super hella close to home for me, and for that reason, i think i'll always really cherish it. ok. super long unedited review-y thing over. SIGNING OFF.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Winter Romances; Author: Stephanie Perkins; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: there were a few stories in this collection that i REALLY LOVED, and two that i really, really hated, but the majority of them were just...decent. i liked this; it's definitely a cutesy, fun read for the holiday season.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Losing It (Losing It, #1); Author: Cora Carmack; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: i mean...this was fine? it wasn't amazing. better than both of the other new adult books i've read, but still not great. i enjoyed myself and it was a very quick read, but it definitely didn't convert me into a new adult fan.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Landline; Author: Rainbow Rowell; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I! LOVE! THIS! BOOK! Easily my favorite Rainbow Rowell, and I feel confident saying that as I have now read her entire (currently published) bibliography. Oh my god. I'm not even coherent enough to type up a proper review/what I loved about this book, but just know that I highly highly highly recommend. oh my GOD. oh my god. jesus h christ. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ready Player One; Author: Ernest Cline; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: LISTEN. It's 2 am and I'm completely incoherent and maybe crying a little because I loved this book so much. The only thing I can say right now in terms of a review is that I have not felt this attached to a cast of characters or to a book in general since the Harry Potter series. No exaggeration whatsoever. This is now one of my favourite books of all time and all I want to do now is re-read it every day until I die. SERIOUSLY. Holy. Fuck.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Through the Woods; Author: Emily Carroll; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: THIS WAS SO CREEPY. and it's written by a lesbian! the art was creepy as heck and the stories were shiver-inducing. do recommend. also i read it in like twenty minutes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Everneath (Everneath, #1); Author: Brodi Ashton; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** I enjoyed this so much! I did not see the ending coming, like, at ALL, though in hindsight it seems almost obvious...but damn. V GOOD DO RECOMMEND; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Ocean at the End of the Lane; Author: Neil Gaiman; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: this book read like a dream: it made total sense when i was listening to it, and i enjoyed it thoroughly, but immediately after listening to it, my thoughts consist of "...that was weird." anyway, i love neil gaiman (obviously), and this book was just...delightful. i don't know. i loved it. a+ neil you r gr8; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New Moon (Twilight, #2); Author: Stephenie Meyer; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Re-read 11/27-11/28/15; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Remember Me?; Author: Sophie Kinsella; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I enjoyed this SO thoroughly. Pure fun.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reality Check; Author: Peter Abrahams; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Ending was a bit rushed, but I fucking love the way Peter Abrahams writes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Attachments; Author: Rainbow Rowell; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: CUTE AF it's 3 am I got nothing beyond "cute af" sorry. IT WAS GRAND I LOVE RAINBOW ROWELLS WRITING; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 172 Hours on the Moon; Author: Johan Harstad; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: ok whatever i didn't finish this book but i'm rating it anyway i skimmed the last few chapters and skipped most of the middle completely (the part between when they initially land on the moon and when the crazy shit begins), and then looked up the plot summary on wikipedia so i'd know exactly what happened. while i guess the concept is interesting and the ending is nuts, i did not enjoy this book. i was incredibly bored during the first half (the only part i read in full - and it took me ELEVEN DAYS to read 160 pages, so), and i just was not in the mood to finish. i just don't think it was for me. if you like pretty decent plot twists and foreshadowing and not-at-all-fleshed-out characters and pseudo-science and books that don't get interesting until the last quarter, maybe you'll like this. whatever. i'm not into it. bye.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 451; Author: Ray Bradbury; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: this was...fine? i have nothing to really say. i was pretty bored for the first hundred pages or so, and the ending was not at all satisfying, but it was okay. i liked it, and the message/social commentary is grand, but i'll probably never re-read it. i'm glad i DID finally read it, though, as i've been meaning to since grade 9.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda; Author: Becky Albertalli; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: ** spoiler alert ** Holy hell this book is so good! I read it in like 3 sittings, all this afternoon, and I loved it. It's hilarious, and adorable, and well-written, and all the other good adjectives. I LOVED Simon, and his narration was great, and I loved all his friends and I AM SO HAPPY I WAS RIGHT ABOUT WHO BLUE WAS BECAUSE I LOVE BRAM SO MUCH. The last 30-40 pages of this book were just the most goddamn adorable things I've ever read. AHHHH. Also: Simon's family dynamic. Totes jel. Not to bring us all down, but if ONLY my parents had been that chill when I came out. This isn't really a coherent or complete review, and I'm aware it's quite rambly, but I JUST FINISHED THE BOOK LIKE 60 SECONDS AGO AND IM CAUGHT UP IN EMOTION AND IM STILL A BIT TEARY OKAY ANYWAY READ THIS DAMN BOOK and please ignore the cover blurb that compares it to John Green...because...I mean, I hate John Green's books. And his writing is nothing like Becky Albertalli's. What I'm saying is this book is fucking amazing and please read it. Okay. I'm done now.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fangirl; Author: Rainbow Rowell; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: update 2/6/15: i think i read this book at the right time. upon further reflection, it's not great, and i lowkey hated cath the entire time. i read this as i was coming out of a terrible first semester of living away from home at a school where i had no friends and nothing to do, so i could relate to that aspect of the story. if i hadn't read it at that time, i definitely wouldn't have given this the original 5-star rating. rainbow rowell is a good writer, but her YA just isn't that good. i HATED eleanor and park, and carry on was a crock of shit, lbr. i far and away prefer her adult contemporary. ANYWAY. original review 5/15/15: "Sweetheart" oh my GOD. Where can I get a Levi. Automatic favorite.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Basic Eight; Author: Daniel Handler; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: holy shit.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Keeping You a Secret; Author: Julie Anne Peters; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: TEARED UP A LIL READING THIS, WHICH NEVER HAPPENS; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wedding Night; Author: Sophie Kinsella; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: THIS WAS SO BORING; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?; Author: Mindy Kaling; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: this was hilarious and wonderful and i think it's my favorite of the Trifecta of Memoirs by Lady Comedians (Bossypants, Yes Please, and obv this one), but it wasn't amazing and i probably won't reread it. that's not a bad thing though. ANYWAY yes very enjoyable i'm really tired and don't feel like actually writing a review for this so to sum up: i enjoyed it it was fine it wasn't great would recommend run-on sentences 4ever; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Friend Dahmer; Author: Derf Backderf; Genres: history, fiction, young-adult, thriller, comics, crime, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, mystery; Review: creepy as fuck and really interesting and well-done. fascinating in a sickening kind of way.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Feminist; Author: Roxane Gay; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: "I would rather be a bad feminist than no feminist at all." same idk this book isn't particularly groundbreaking and I sped-read the last 100 pages or so because like...yeah. i know. I AGREE. OK YEP I GET IT OKAY OKIE DOKIE ARTICHOKIE anyway whatever it was fine if you're looking for an intro to what feminism fundamentally is this would be good but i just felt like this book didn't particularly challenge any beliefs ive already formed. If that makes sense.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic; Author: Alison Bechdel; Genres: history, young-adult, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: crying a lot; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Easy (Contours of the Heart, #1); Author: Tammara Webber; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Fucking fantastic!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ex-mas; Author: Kate Brian; Genres: fiction, children, young-adult, romance; Review: read this in like two hours and it was super fun CHRISTMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Are You My Mother?; Author: Alison Bechdel; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Wowwww; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet (Contours of the Heart, #3); Author: Tammara Webber; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: the actual cutest shit i've ever read in my life; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss, #1); Author: Stephanie Perkins; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: re-read January 4-12, 2016; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss, #2); Author: Stephanie Perkins; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: FECKING CUTE AS FECK GIMME A CRICKET; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jane Eyre; Author: Charlotte Bronte; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: IT TOOK ME THREE MONTHS TO READ THIS BOOK. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY BECAUSE IT WAS REALLY GOOD, but I'm still relieved that it's off my currently reading pile because, as I said, I HAVE BEEN READING IT FOR THREE. FUCKING. MONTHS. anyway. read jane eyre if you haven't done that yet. it's good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss, #3); Author: Stephanie Perkins; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: re-read 8/29/15: obviously im dead i love these characters and this book & yes Ok seriously fuck me oh my GOD that was SO HREAT IM GONN DIE and Stephanie Perkins acknowledgements also made me cry so that's cool and it's 3 am I have to be at work in 8 hours goodbye cruel world; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry; Author: Gabrielle Zevin; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: This is the first book in a very long time that has made me cry. I loved every word of it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: this is one of the top ten best books i've ever read and i have no words; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; Author: Newt Scamander; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: i've got too much nostalgia invested in the harry potter universe to NOT give this book five stars.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ok no coherent thoughts atm except I LOVED THIS OH MY FUCKING GOD PLS READ THIS I DON'T EVEN LIKE YOUNG ADULT FANTASY BUT HOLY GODDAMN SHITBANG; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Carry On; Author: Rainbow Rowell; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 11/18/2015: the more i think about this book, the more i...dislike it? i love rainbow rowell, but i think this book is a little TOO ridiculous to be as good as i initially thought. like, i know it's the entire point, but relying on other (specific, i.e. harry potter & twilight) books for your world and basic plot doesn't work for me, even if it is meant to be a parody. (you can't convince me that she wasn't making a direct parody; all of her talk about her "own take on a chosen one story" is just a roundabout way of saying she's reworking harry potter and twilight, WHICH ISN'T A BAD THING, but i think it's weird for people to take this seriously as an original, to-be-taken-seriously fantasy novel. whatever.) also i fucking hate simon. so much. so so so much. what a dick. that was probably also the point, but there are ways to make characters unlikable that are effective, and this is not an example of that. i feel like rainbow rowell just kinda made him a dick and then never dealt with the fact that he was a dick. i think that might have been a consequence of him being a parody of harry potter (who, let's face it, was a complete dick for the entire series, DON'T DENY IT KIDS), but still. not good. idk. i don't know how to feel. also, this book did NOT need to be 500 pages long holy shit. she could've cut out at least 150-200 pages, particularly at the beginning. the worldbuilding is a joke (like, this whole book is a PARODY of fantasy books), so there didn't need to be 200 pages of it. WHATEVER I DON'T THINK I LIKED THIS BOOK. weird how hindsight'll do that. og review, 10/31/2015: holy fuck i have no words; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, #2); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: MY MIND IS BLOWN; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Well of Ascension (Mistborn, #2); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saga, Vol. 1 (Saga, #1); Author: Brian K. Vaughan; Genres: romance, comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: HOLY SHIT. i wish i'd read this a few hours ago so i could go back to the library and get the next 4 volumes holy shit holy shit holy shit; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saga, Vol. 3 (Saga, #3); Author: Brian K. Vaughan; Genres: romance, comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: yes yes yes; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saga, Vol. 4 (Saga, #4); Author: Brian K. Vaughan; Genres: romance, comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: my heart hurts; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Deal (Off-Campus, #1); Author: Elle Kennedy; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: THIS IS NOT BAD!!! I mean, for a new adult book. It's quite funny, and there's weird names for sexual organs, and it gets sort of cheesy, and there's the big-miscommunication-that-should've-been-easy to avoid, but OVERALL I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Also, I read it in like 3 hours, so. Nice.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Mistake (Off-Campus, #2); Author: Elle Kennedy; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: WELL WASNT THAT JUST GODDAMN ADORABLE.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Strongest Steel (Second Circle Tattoos, #1); Author: Scarlett Cole; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Lol I read this from midnight to 4 am for absolutely no reason. Very cheesy, not fluffy enough, too much DRAMA and crazy scary stalker shit on the side. Only 2.99 tho so whatever. Cannot form coherent sentences to review as it is currently FOUR IN THE MORNING anyway I don't really recommend this but the writing was ok so hurray!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, #1); Author: C.S. Lewis; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: i have so much nostalgia attached to these books that it is impossible to give them a lower rating. if i had read them for the first time as an adult, i probably would have more issues with the theology (not the most sophisticated) in the narnia books, but as it stands, i've been reading narnia over and over and over again since i was about 4, and i love them. i also always get really excited at the last bit about how digory made the magic tree into a WARDROBE because heyo we all know what THAT MEANS.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wrong (Wrong, #1); Author: Jana Aston; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Lol this was REALLY bad; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass, #3); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: HOLY shit; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, #4); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: i put this book down for like 6 months and then finished it in 2 days. nice. SO GOOD almost cried at the end coherence is not a thing in this review; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass, #0.1-#0.5); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I HAVE BEEN READING THIS BOOK FOR FIVE MONTHS. i don't even want to rate it bc a) i find the 5-star rating system quite arbitrary and annoying and b) i don't know WHAT i think of this book. it was SO SLOW-GOING and SO TEDIOUS, especially toward the end, and honestly i skimmed most of the last two novellas. also, i honestly kind of wish i'd just read the recaptains summaries of the novellas and moved on to queen of shadows; it's not as if there are a ton of things to be spoiled for in TAB, as long as you've read the first couple of books. you know that sam dies , and the only real interesting information this book provides is that arobynn betrayed celaena . beyond all the Bad Things, though, i love sjm's writing, and i love celaena and the whole world she's created for the ToG universe. for those reasons, i did enjoy the reading process of this book, but i found that i was never really pushed to pick it up and READ IT because it was, as aforementioned, tedious and slow-going. also, the whole time i kept thinking about how much i wanted to know what happened to celaena after the end of HoF, and if i was going to be reading a ToG book it should be QoS, but ALAS, EVERYONE WAS LIKE "YOU MUST READ THE ASSASSIN'S BLADE BEFORE YOU READ QUEEN OF SHADOWS IT IS REQUIRED!!!" AND I FELT THAT I HAD TO FINISH THIS THING BEFORE MOVING ON. ALL IN ALL I DIDN'T LOVE THIS. i'm gonna take a break from the ToG world for a bit before i jump into queen of shadows, but i do want to read QoS before EoS comes out. anyway. off to read something that won't take me 5 months to finish!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Annie on My Mind; Author: Nancy Garden; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: just a note: the audiobook for this is DELIGHTFUL, and i think reading this at the very start of winter, just as it's beginning to get cold, was the perfect time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2); Author: Marissa Meyer; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: well that ending was anticlimactic; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Magnolia; Author: Kristi Cook; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: UGH THIS WAS SO FUCKING GOOD there was NOTHING i did not enjoy about this book. god. wonderful. also: took me maybe 3 hours total reading time to get through. SUPER FUN HIGHLY RECOMMEND IF YOU LIKE YA CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE AND CUTE SOUTHERN BOYS; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3); Author: Marissa Meyer; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: SO GOOD! cinder and scarlet were good, but i wasn't SUPER into them; CRESS, HOWEVER, IS GREAT. best one in the series so far. i can't wait to get into winter - i've got it on hold at my library, so hopefully i'll get to it in the next couple of weeks.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Score (Off-Campus, #3); Author: Elle Kennedy; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE. I have awful insomnia right now and could not sleep at all last night (it's currently 7 am and I haven't slept), so I just stayed up and read this. Elle Kennedy is such an entertaining writer. Not the most thought-provoking or intellectually stimulating, but FUN AF.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Olympic Memories; Author: Lynn A. Coleman; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Hahahaha I forgot I read this. I think my mom had this book, like, ten years ago and I just read it because it was around. I don't remember ANYTHING about it except in one of the stories a guy was disappointed because he found out he wouldn't get any money if he got a gold medal. ANYWAY.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Night Film; Author: Marisha Pessl; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: idk man that was wild. it's 7:30 am and i haven't slept. WILD; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Winter (The Lunar Chronicles, #4); Author: Marissa Meyer; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: My ONLY issue with this book was the length; it didn't need to be 800 pages long. That said, the story was FUCKING BRILLIANT. May have cried a little.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight; Author: Jennifer E. Smith; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Jennifer E. Smith can write a darn cute book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fortunately, the Milk; Author: Neil Gaiman; Genres: young-adult, comics, children, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: this reminded me so much of my dad's dumb stories that my siblings & i never believed when i was a kid; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Since You've Been Gone; Author: Morgan Matson; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: this book made me cry in a good way; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, #1); Author: Maggie Stiefvater; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: That was wild. It's 1 am; I need time to digest this. Jesus Christ. Probably going to start book #2 on audiobook on my drive back to campus tomorrow.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Purest Hook (Second Circle Tattoos, #3); Author: Scarlett Cole; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Least favorite in the series so far for sure, but still enjoyable and a quick read.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Campaigns & Elections: Rules, Reality, Strategy, Choice; Author: John Sides; Genres: non-fiction; Review: ME BEING DONE WITH THIS TEXTBOOK MEANS THIS SEMESTER IS VERY NEARLY OVER AND I'M PUMPED anyway this is a relatively comprehensive political science textbook i learned some stuff it was great but right now it's 2 am and my brain is fried from studying and frankly i'm just glad i'm done with it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Like a Boss (Like a Boss, #1); Author: Logan Chance; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 0 stars tbh. i read this in like 30 minutes because a) it was very bad and b) i skimmed most of it. nope nope nope.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: thank god that's over; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fairest: Levana’s Story (The Lunar Chronicles, #3.5); Author: Marissa Meyer; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: THAT ENDING. this was HEARTWRENCHING to read. i still don't feel any sympathy for levana, but i do feel like i understand her actions throughout the lunar chronicles better after reading this. marissa meyer knows how to write some damn characters. jeez.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Wrath & the Dawn (The Wrath & the Dawn, #1); Author: Renee Ahdieh; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 1. this book is SO DULL. the writing isn't terrible, but it isn't very good either. 2. the main character is an idiot. compared to the original character of scheherazade from 1001 Nights, shahrzad is a moron and I could not manage to care about her at all. 3. speaking of shahrzad, this whole shebang was supposed to have started because of her love for her best friend and her desire to avenge said best friend, but we are told NOTHING about this best friend! NOTHING AT ALL! 4. going back to the original 1001 Nights, aside from the weird typical-YA-romance aspects (which seem extremely out of place in this setting, by the way) and the love triangle that's introduced for NO REASON, this is barely a retelling. if you've read the original, there's no point in you reading this unless you want a worse version with typical YA contemporary romance tropes thrown in. 5. back to shahrzad: the entire plot of this book is completely unbelievable because of her. in the same sentence, she'll talk about how she wants to kill the caliph and then IN THE SAME BREATH move on to swooning over the caliph. it's bizarre, her emotions don't make sense, and for someone who is supposedly a strong warrior type, she's incredibly fickle and seemingly emotionally unstable. anyway. i hate this book. i got more than halfway through and just COULD NOT finish it. NO STARS.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Stylemaster Elegance Sheer Voile Scarf, 40" x 216”, White; Brand: Style Master; Review: I have these curtains by themselves in windows of rooms that don't need a lot of privacy, since they are upstairs and facing just woods. They let a lot of light in and still allow a filtered view to the outside. They soften the look of the rooms they are in.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stylemaster Sheer Voile Elegance 60" X 95", Panel White; Brand: Style Master; Review: I have these curtains by themselves in windows of rooms that don't need a lot of privacy, since they are upstairs and facing just woods. They let a lot of light in and still allow a filtered view to the outside. They soften the look of the rooms they are in.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Umbra Coretto 1/2-Inch Tension Drapery Rod for Window, 36 to 54-Inch, Black; Brand: Umbra; Review: I recently hung this in my newly renovated kitchen. I wanted something that did not look cheap and this fits the bill. I especially like the side fixtures that meet the window frame on each side. Many other rods have a plastic cap on the ends which I didn't like the look of.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zenna Home, India Ink Morocco Peva Shower Curtain Liner, White; Brand: Zenna Home; Review: This is really pretty!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: IdeaWorks Slim Slide Out Pantry - 5 Tier; Brand: IdeaWorks; Review: I have a lot of vitamin and natural supplements that I was able to store in this. Perfect!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: 29 peculiar things you'll find in your grandma's kitchen; Abstract: ; Category: lifestyle
Title: Teresa Guidice shows off in sexy 'Game of Thrones' Halloween costume; Abstract: Days after her husband was released from ICE custody, Teresa Giudice showed off her 'Game of Thrones' costume; Category: tv
Title: 21 Clever Hacks to Make Everything in Your Home Smell Amazing; Abstract: Sure, fresh flowers can help a room smell lovely, but what about the rest of the house? That's where these brilliant shortcuts come in.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 23 Things You Should Toss from Your Closet Forever; Abstract: Cleaning out your closet and giving away clothing can be surprisingly difficult. Still, it must be done. Get started with these 23 items.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 12 Surprising Things You Should Never Clean with Water; Abstract: Wait! Before you fill up your cleaning bucket with good old H2O, think first about what you plan on cleaning. Though water may be your go-to for cleanup, it can damage or shorten the life of certain furnishings and fixtures. Read on to find out which household objects should never be subjected to water.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Heidi Klum's 2019 Halloween Costume Transformation Is Mind-Blowing But, Like, What Is It?; Abstract: You might say she's scary good at playing dress-up, because Heidi Klum's 2019 Halloween costume is even more impressive than we could have imagined and that's saying a lot, considering transformative Halloween costumes are kind of her thing. But this year Klum took it up one more notch as she shared her metamorphosis into,; Category: lifestyle
Title: Evander Holyfield's son wins pro boxing debut in 16 seconds; Abstract: ; Category: sports
Title: Secrets shopping malls don't want you to know; Abstract: Everything about the shopping mall is designed to draw you in, slow you down, and get you to spend big bucks; Category: lifestyle
Title: 26 show-stopping ways to get festive in your home without a tree; Abstract: Whether you're short on space or simply don't want the hassle of a real Christmas tree, there are plenty of other ways to dress up your home for the holiday period. From joyful tree-free displays to alternative festive focal points for the living room, check out these inspired decorating ideas that won't droop or shed.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Piracy crackdown may be next front in streaming wars; Abstract: Controlling user access to platforms (password sharing) will be a priority as major conglomerates bet on new direct-to-consumer digital services.; Category: finance
Title: State Trooper Stops Banana Car Driver, Gives Him $20 Instead of a Ticket; Abstract: Is it a crime to be this ridiculous? Not in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where a 1993 Ford F-150 4x4 was turned into . . . this.; Category: autos
Title: Marlboro Man Bob Norris dies at 90, having reportedly never been a smoker; Abstract: Robert "Bob" Norris, who played the iconic Marlboro Man for more than a decade in the '60s, has died at his Colorado ranch at 90. Norris landed the high-profile ad campaign for the Philip Morris cigarette brand by happenstance, as his son, Bobby Norris, told the local CBS affiliate, KKTV.; Category: tv | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Extended Stay America Orlando Maitland Summit Tower Blvd; City: Maitland Florida; Review: Decent hotel....no frills...only stayed 2 nights and spent very little time there..bed was comfy..staff friendly...clean; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: AmericInn by Wyndham Griswold; City: Griswold Mystic Country Connecticut; Review: The staff is Always helpful..Stacey could not be more helpful and welcoming...Rooms are clean...beds comfy..awesome breakfast...great location and quiet. ..Love the pool and jacuzzi. .what more could a girl ask for..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sonesta ES Suites Orlando International Drive; City: Orlando Florida; Review: I was really hesitant to stay on I Drive at a renovated hotel..Decided to throw caution to the wind..Arrived a few hours before check-in and was able to check-in pronto...Fantastic ..the lobby...bar area..breakfast room were very clean and very nicely redone...my style...Our room was super ..all i's dotted and t's crossed..LOVE the flooring. ..kitchen well appointed..living room just super comfy and clean...clean...clean..bedroom/bathroom/closet..unexpected surprise. .. Breakfast was great...nice variety of goodies and fresh..noticed the chef was constantly monitoring and cleaning the area... Location of hotel is GREAT..I would recommend and cannot wait to return...Love long weekends in Orlando ...Book this hotel. ..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AmericInn by Wyndham Griswold; City: Griswold Mystic Country Connecticut; Review: Stayed 5 nights..visiting family..stayed at the inn before and have never been disappointed..helpful staff..tidy rooms with comfortable beds. .need newer comforters and towels. .very quiet and wonderful breakfast. . The pool is great but the smell of chlorine is OVERWHELMING..could only relax at the pool area for a few minutes..disappointing. . I will be back Thanks; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Extended Stay America Orlando Maitland 1776 Pembrook Drive; City: Maitland Florida; Review: My husband had a medical procedure very close to the hotel..Have stayed at this hotel once before.. The Remodel of the rooms is great..Our room was nicely done..Very clean.. Guest services and front desk very helpful.. Our first night went smoothly until 10pm..Our neighbors upstairs began stomping around for at least an hour before my husband went to the desk and asked for help..They apparently spoke to these people. .Got quiet for a minute and they started the stomping again ..We were told they were partying and were assured they would take care of it once again..It was better but noisy..My husband had his procedure the next morning..EARLY.. I would suggest making sure you take rooms on the 3rd floor..no one above. .The noise above is hard to handle .. the next night you could still hear walking..very annoying...The construction was super loud the day we checked out..Would not want to have been in the room daytime.. I would not come back.. To many other hotels to choose from..; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Halloween Tree; Author: Visit Amazon's Ray Bradbury Page; Review: A great tale about a group of young boys traveling through time and space to different cultures discovering the different meanings of Halloween. Great for all ages like most of his books! He will always be one of my favorite sci fi authors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good Night Lake (Good Night Our World); Author: Visit Amazon's Adam Gamble Page; Review: Cute book. Living on the lake it's pretty spot on. If you think it's going to be like the other very famous book with a similar title about a moon it is not. It should be more appropriately titled Good Morning, Good Night Lake.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Potty (Leslie Patricelli board books); Author: Visit Amazon's Leslie Patricelli Page; Review: Cute, easy book to read. My 2 year old calls it her potty book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forbidden Forest (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Tenaya Jayne Page; Review: It was free and I enjoyed it a lot. I purchased books 2-4 in the series for a very reasonable price (under $8). So far I really like book 2 as well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forest Fire (The Legends of Regia) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Tenaya Jayne Page; Review: Great sequel to Forbidden Forest.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blood Lock (The Legends of Regia) (Volume 6); Author: Visit Amazon's Tenaya Jayne Page; Review: This series is awesome! I love the author's style of writing each chapter.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fifty Shades of Grey; Author: Visit Amazon's E. L. James Page; Review: This last book I didn't enjoy as much as the first two. Maybe it's because all the intense (non-sexual) scenes were over very quickly. There's a problem, the climax, and the resolution all in one chapter. I guess the whole series was like that. I like a bit more of a delayed gratification if you will. The book could have been more in my opinion, but it was still good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Funcrusher Plus; Brand: Company Flow; Review: First of all, if I hear one more ignorant fool refer to Co Flow as backpacker hip-hop I swear I'm going to freak out. This album is straight up underground hip hop at its finest. This isn't some suburbanite bs. This is New York underground at the peak of the late nineties wave...props to Bobbito and 89.9. And for all of you kids who got into underground hip hop sometime after 1996, let me just break this to you: this album is responsible for all of it. Not necessarily the music mind you, but the opening of the doors for all those who would come to follow. Co Flow were the first group on Rawkus. Despite whatever problems one may have with rawkus now, they released some of the finest underground hip hop of the era. Cop the first Soundbombing to get a picture. (I have all the original 12''s that make up this compilation and I have to say that evil dee's mixing and voice overs get a little annoying on the cd version-though I am a big Black Moon fan). Mos Def, Kweli, Co Flow, Menelik, come on people. The lyrics on Funcrusher are amazing. Co Flow were intelligent and abstract without being pretentious. They were often on some battle-rhyme tip, but delivered so well. (...) On Funcrusher, Juss and El-P deliver some of the best rhymes I've ever heard. And while El-P comes correct I still think Juss steals the show on this record. His flow is just flawless. If you don't understand hip hop culture alot of this stuff will just fly over your head. Take Lune TNS, for example. Basically, the song is one gigantic shout out to many of the classic graff writers who influenced Juss. As he states at the end of the track "for those of you who don't understand this wasn't made for you.." Or dropping "super duty tough work" on end to end burners(not on this album)- refer to the recently re-released Style Wars dvd for this one. The beats plus Len and EL-P's production are also top notch. This is really a must for any hip hop fan. Seriously, if you just started listening to hip hop because some friend of yours turned you on to Aesop Rock or Sage Francis a few years ago, do not sleep on this record. And after you've heard it, do us all a favor and pick up an old record by Gangstaar, Souls of Mischief, and De La Soul, just to get a little perspective. Atmosphere and all that stuff is good for what it is, but if you haven't heard Main Source or Organized Konfusion you're sleeping. In my mind Funcrusher is like the perfect middle ground or segway for Def Jux, Rhymesayers, etc. It was, first and foremost, completely ahead of its time. It was abstract minus the pitfalls of wierdo-rap, intelligent yet still straight up hip hop. All the while transcending alot of the perennial elements that can make straight up hip hop, well boring. Yes EL-P and Juss will let; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Future Development; Brand: Del The Funky Homosapien; Review: First of all, please do not pay this much money for this record. You can easily get a normal-priced copy on Hieroglyphics.com. Well, this is it, Del's lost album. As many know, Del was dropped off Elektra before this album got released. And despite how lame it is on some level that that happened to our good friend Del, it was probably for the best. Souls of Mischief were dropped off their label at roughly the same time and this led Hiero to band together, pool all the money they could, and independently release 3rd Eye Vision. Well, I must say 3rd Eye is one of my favorite hip hop albums, and it put the whole Hiero crew back on the map while simultaneously establishing the Hieroglyphics emporium. I've had a bootleg cassette copy of this album for years that I got off the Hiero web site, and I was really glad to see it finally properly released. This is a tight Del album all the way through, though maybe not his best. I would highly recommend this album to any serious Del or Hiero fan. It's not at all a fluke of a record. If you've never bought a Del album, or you've only got Deltron 3030, I would start with No Need For Alarm. If you really love Del or Hiero, this album is a must for any completist collection.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Common; Review: Every single person who listens to hip hop at all and in any form should absolutely get this CD. This one is in my top ten favotite hip hop albums ever. A seminal classic on par with Tribe's "Midnight Marauders", De La's "3 Ft..." and Nas's "Illmatic." This album sparked much of the conscious hip hop that has been released in the last ten years. Take Back Star as a prime example. This is one of those records that will always be remembered as a timeless hip hop classic. This album is to hip hop what Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" is to jazz...or some other silly analogy which currently eludes me. I don't even have the words to describe how masterful this record is. If you don't own it, you're sleeping. PERIOD. So come correct, I'm flossin' and cold, cold lampin' (Just kidding).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Overcast; Brand: Atmosphere; Review: This is the first Atmosphere album. My friend from St. Paul turned me onto this stuff way back when and for a while there I was a Rhymesayers fanatic. I hate to recommend hard to find and out of print stuff, but I would highly recommend any of the old Headshots mixtapes if you can find them. Particularly volume Seven which is a Slug album from start to finish and by far his best. Overcast! came out when these guys were hungry and most of the Rhymesayers releases during this era are solid, e.g. The dynospectrum. Slug, Spawn, and Ant complimented each other well and as much as I find Spawn annoying sometimes he brings Slug down-to earth. Kinda the way Big Juss complimented EL-P. All in all this is a good record. It's the kind of record I made certain everyone I knew heard, since, at the time, I was the only one in my area code who had heard these guys. Slug is a very skilled emcee, and I think it's unfair to lump him into backpacker hip hop (whatever that means anyway). Take the Deep Puddle Dynamics record for example. Listening to that album, it's so overwhelmingly clear how much more skilled he is than Sole, Alias or especially Dose One. I still have the first three Sad Clown Bad Dub's in my collection and a bunch of old Headsots tapes. Recently, I found myself going back and jamming Overcast! and it really is a solid album. It never reached the exhaulted heights of Aceyalone or Common (and by that I mean ressurection era Common) or Hiero, but few do. This is a good album and a worthwhile purchase. If you only buy one Atmosphere album, make it this one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Holds Barred; Brand: Soundbombing (Series); Review: This CD includes the orginal Rawkus 12''s which, in my opinion are some of the best underground hip hop traks to come out in the late nineties. Major highlight include Mos Def's "Universal Magnetic", and Kweli's "2000 Seasons" (my favorite tracks from these guys including anything from Black Star), and Company Flow's "Fire in Which You Burn" and "Lune Tns". It's really a shame, this could have been a seminal compilation were it not for how freakin' annoying Evil Dee is on this CD. Look, I love early Black Moon but someone has got to shut this guy up on this comp. I've rarely heard anything more annoying in my life. You know those pirate Reggae stations were the DJ's can't stop interrupting the songs to "big up" everyone and their mother. Well, this is more annoying. As far as musical content this CD deserves 5 stars, its way better than the second Soundbombing. But Rawkus really screwed up with this Evil Dee nonsense. Luckily they got smart and had J-Rocc and Babu from the Beat Junkies mix the second one. I can only imagine how glorious this CD could have been had it been mixed by Bobitto or Roc Raida, or anyone.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tribute to Company Flow Class X; Brand: Mr. Len; Review: I think it may be slightly confusing to some people that this record was released as a Mr. Len CD when it is simply a Company Flow compilation. Not that Len doesn't have every right to do that. That aside, this compilation is excellent. This is the best comapanion piece to Funcrusher and a must-have for any Co Flow completist. As many know, Company Flow only released one album, aside from the instrumental album "Lil' Johnny.." There were many bangin' singles and rarities that I've been collecting for years and most them are included on this CD. For the casual fan this means copping all the rare sh**t it took me years to find in one shot, and you really can't beat that. Included are the first Co Flow single "Juvenille Techniques", the "End to End Burners" remix, "Krazy Kings Too" (one of my all-time favorite Co Flow tracks), "Patriotism" from the second Soundbombing, the original version of "Info Kill", and the green vinyl version of the original "Krazy Kings." (Funcrusher Plus was originally released as Funcrusher on colored green vinly on Offical Recordings, well before Rawkus, and sold independently). Also included on this CD are some of the greatest hits/straight bangers like "Fire in Which You Burn (with the addition of the 12" version's intro)", and "8 Steps". Also included is the infamous diss track "Linda Tripp" which has got to be one of the best rebuttals in hip hop history. For those who don't know, Sole from Anticon released an EL-P diss record entitled "Dear EL-P" making all kind of stupid accusations to the effect of calling EL-P a fake. I guess he then called EL-P at some point to attempt to apologize. (I'm uncertain about the specifics here). EL-P recorded the phone conversation (hence the title) and samples Sole saying that he loves Company Flow, and that he wants to be down over and over again throughout the song, while tearing his rookie ass apart lyrically (all behind a sample of Bjork's "Hunter"). It's pretty freakin' hilarious. And as pissed off and uncalled for I thought "Dear El-P" was when I heard it, I actually feel bad for Sole every time I hear this track. Not that he didn't deserve it, with his bs pretentious excuse for underground hip hop. (Sorry all you kids out there riding Anticon's nuts, wake up and buy and Organized Konfusion record or something, please). All in all I think this CD is well worth the purchase, but if you haven't really listened to Co Flow start with Funcrusher, then proceed here, then start worrying about anything on Def Jux. My only complaints are that I wish Len had included the lost mix of "8 Steps" (from the "Blind" 12"), and the original mix of "End to End Burners." He also might as well have included "Blind" too, a Co Folw classic single.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Buhloone Mind State; Brand: De La Soul; Review: When I ask most hip hop heads what their favorite De La album is I almost always get "3 Ft..." as a response. Occasionally, I'll meet someone who is well-schooled who goes for "De La is Dead." Why has this album been so slept on? This is hands down their best record, in my opinion, and an artistic peak for both De La and Prince Paul. This album makes my top ten hip hop albums of all time list with a bullet. "Area", "I Am I Be", "Eyepatch", "Breakadawn", and of course "Ego Trippin'". Come on people, this album is a masterpiece. I think part of the problem is that the peak tracks come in the latter half of the record so it takes a thourough listen to really absorb its brilliance. And in all fariness it may be a simple matter of taste. The first four De La albums are all classics, but the production and rhymes on this one cannot be topped. At this point Native Tongues were on the outs and you can hear subtle references to this internal dispute throughout the album. I think this rift caused De La to get more introspective on this record and focus more on what they could offer as an individual entity. The result is the peak of the famed De La Prince Paul calloborations and the end of an era for De La Soul. Prince Paul went all out on this one sampling all kinds of crazy sh**t, like old Jeffeson Starship records. This album also stands as a lasting conceptual crtique of hip hoppers gettin' bigheaded when they get famous. "It might blow up, but it won't go pop.." In one shot De La made every egomaniac rapper look like a complete fool. I would highly recommend this album to anyone, even if you don't usually like hip hop.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sound-Dust; Brand: Stereolab; Review: Yes I said it, someone had to. Stereolab is, in my opinion, one of the most important groups (groops) in modern music. I've been a fan since I first heard Transient Random Noise Bursts at the tender age of fifteen. But that said, let's all be honest here, this isn't anywhere near their most successful work. It's mellow, it's catchy, it's not a bad record. However, Dots and Loops, Emperor Tomato Ketchup, Mars Audiac Quintet, Space Age.., Peng, Random Transient.., even all of the Switched On compilations are superior to this release. Any band this prolific is going to hit a standstill at some point. The Return of The Microbe Hunters EP and this album represent that standstill. Any group capable of putting out 10 records which are all 4 and 5 star albums is worthy of praise, but Cobra and Phases started to get a little boring and things haven't changed much since then. Although, I have to admit that I still haven't entirley absorbed the new album because I'm still too heartbroken over Mary's passing. My point is, I don't think this album deserves 5 stars just because it's a Stereolab album. Although, a mediocre Stereolab release is still better than a majoriy of music out there. If you've never heard this band I would suggest starting with Emperor Tomato Ketchup and Dots and Loops.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn; Brand: Pink Floyd; Review: This may seem like a strange statement to those not in the know, but any record nerd out there who knows what I'm talking about knows exactly what I mean. In most cases the difference between mono and stereo is not too significant, and stereo is obviously superior. The thing to understand about this album and others released around '67-'68 (i.e. Sgt. Pepper) is that two separate mixdowns were made from the original master tapes. ie. THERE ARE TWO VERSIONS OF THIS ALBUM. Because mono was still a more popular sound format, there was a tendency to spend more time and care on the mono. This is true for albums such as Sgt. Pepper which any audiophile geek will tell you sounds superior in mono, and beleive me it does. However, in the case of that and other albums the difference is not so overwhelmingly significant. But the difference between the stereo and mono mix of Piper is like night and day, and the stereo mix is a bastardized, botch job mix of this album. Unfortunately any CD version of an older album is going to be the stereo mix, leaving future generations the misfortune of never properly hearing this album. When I first heard about the mono mix of this album, it was some mythical thing worth so much money that I thought I would never hear it. But in 1997, due to the demand there was a 30th anniversary reissue of the mono mix of Piper released on CD and LP. Amazon has this CD listed, it's the limited edition re-issue with the weird green cover. Unfortunately, it's out of stock on amazon, but I occasionally see it on ebay for not too much money. Seriously, I would strongly encourage any fan of this record or Pink Floyd or Syd Barrett to get a copy of the mono mix of this album ASAP. When people first gave me this advice, I was like, come on, it can't be that big of a deal. Trust me, it is. The brilliance of this album was lost in the stereo mix. I'm talking full instrumentation, soundscapes, all gone. Once you hear the mono mix you will understand that this album truly is one of the greatest albums of this era. I'm a big Pink Floyd fan and personally I prefer their earlier work, though anything through The Final Cut is worthwhile music. Meddle was always my favorite Pink Floyd album, that is until I heard the mono mix of Piper. It stands as my favorite Pink Floyd album, hands down. If you love this band or this album, please please please get the mono mix, it breaks my heart to see it forgotten.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Velvet Underground & Nico; Brand: Velvet Underground; Review: This is one of the greatest albums of the 1960's, hands down. That said, this re-issue is an interesting idea, but it's definitely not going to please everyone. The mono mix of this album is superior and closer to what the band intended, but the differences are not dramatic and it's really the kind of thing that only a record-nerd like myself would care about. Buying this is certainly easier than trying to track down a mono copy of the record, that's for sure. It's only for a die-hard fan, and pointing out that it's easier for the casual fan to simply buy the single cd is beyond obvious. There are several albums from this era where the mono mix is noticably different and/or superior. The most striking instance is the first Pink Floyd album "Piper at the Gates of Dawn." No one ever listens to me about this, but the difference between the stereo and mono mix of that album is like night and day, seriously. And the mono is so much better, I mean so much better, that the fact that only the stereo is commercially available is an autrocity. (Will someone please re-issue the mono mix of this album on cd like they did here with the Velvets). Any record-geek will tell you that Sgt. Pepper and The White Album are superior, or at least noticably different in mono. But the mono mix of this album is superior, but not dramatically so, and the original "closet" mix of the Velvets third album is more strikingly different than the mono mix of this album, and can be found as apart of the 5 CD Velvets box set. I think this was a noble effort that is easy to trash, because it's not worth it to most people to spend the extra money. I think it's probably the case that there aren't enough existing outtakes to make a 2cd set like the "Fully Loaded" version of the Velvets final album. The Nico solo stuff is not out of place either, as the Velvets were her band for these tracks so, in many respects, it's comparable to Femme Fetale, etc. Bottomline, the mono mix of this album was in demand. I'm happy to finally get a copy, especially on CD. I think this re-issue was a welcome one, but again, it's geared toward a completist. Personally, I bought my copy used on amazon for roughly the same amount of money that people are selling the single cd. If the difference is like 50 cents, please. Spend the extra money and get the two-disc set, why not. If it's twice the amount for the two-disc and you've never owned this album, obviously go for the single disc.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Drawing Restraint 9; Brand: Bjrk; Review: First of all, give it a chance. Try to understand that it's a soundtrack to a Matthew Barney film composed by Bjork and not a Bjork album, per se. There is a difference. It's fine to not like it, but what I don't think is fair is to be like oh Bjork, where have you gone, etc. The Bjork that we love, that wirtes pop music still exists she's just expermineting with other projects. Medulla was an experiment, and it was great at some points and fell short in others. For my tastes, Bjork's peak was Homoegenic and Vespertine. That said, she's always done side-project experimentation between records. Selmasongs was a soundtarck to a musical, and it had to be taken for what it was. Telegram was a remix album, etc. I think some of this music is beautiful and some of it is not fantastic, but I'm happy to have anything Bjork does. I do consider her one of the greater musical talents of our time, at least where pop music is concerned. If you love Bjork, there is enough here to make it wothwhile, but it's not her best work.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 4-Track Demos; Brand: PJ Harvey; Review: Personally I'm a fan of Steve Albini's production on Rid of Me. Even though the album didn't quite reach the heights of Dry, which I still consider her best album. Rid of Me was a great record and I really love listening to these demos. I think any fan of hers can appreciate them. The release was a reaction of sorts to critics of Albini's production on Rid of Me and certainly a more raw take on the material. This album is easily worth owning just for "Hardly Wait." It's one of her best songs and this was it's only offical release. The song didn't make it onto Rid of Me, I still don't understand why.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Louder Than Bombs; Brand: The Smiths; Review: The Smiths were known for writing great singles, many of which never appeared on their albums. This is a large part of what makes this compilation so essential. Many of The Smiths best singles can be found on this album and its English counterpart The World Won't Listen, songs like "Ask", "Panic", "William, it Was Really Nothing", "Shoplifters..", "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now", "Half a Person", and "Please Please let Me Get What I Want" can be found here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Daft - Best of; Brand: Art of Noise; Review: This is a great compilation if you are looking to buy one Art of Noise CD. The main reason to get this one is to have the commonly known version of Moments in Love, which is actually a remix previously available on 12".; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Daft; Brand: Art of Noise; Review: This is a great compilation if you are looking to buy one Art of Noise CD. The main reason to get this one is to have the commonly known version of Moments in Love, which is actually a remix previously available on 12".; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_CDs_and_Vinyl |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Attrition: The First Act of Penance (The Three Acts of Penance) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's S.G. Night Page; Review: I confess that the grimdark has lost its appeal. It was good when Mark lawrence did it. But now every one out there is throwing in and pretty much every hero is getting beaten & every heroine violated. People have to come to accept that if a book should get gritty real tag they have to kill one POV per book, brutally...period.. Attrition is different. It made realize how much I missed mixed race stories of old (Pointy eared elves and red bearded dwarves..).Mark me this is not fellowship cliche stolen from tolkien's tomes. He has created a grim ,dark world (LOL..)of Io where men are reeling under the dominion of demons. They have subjugated the people and indoctrinated them with their faux religion and set themselves up as gods. Racath Thanjel , is a Majiski(A new race! yippeee.. ) assassin of Genshewin (A shadyrebel group) is our dragon reborn in this saga. There are strong female characters and there is detailed history that rivals Silmarillion for geeks out there. And thank god..the romance is not romanticized..women doesn't have to be mysterious & intimacy phobic Denna .It all looks real and cute. Action is not simply parry, dodge and reading opponent's pattern. Its more visual and mostly 3 dimensional. You Feel like finishing a pretty nasty boss battle in God of War. Magic is not subtle as is trend today,its more of verbose kind. On the whole its an enjoyable ride,though there are minor hiccups in language. I recommend it to all who are mired deep in the misery of grim dark -verse.come on people there's hope in Io..Racath will free Io and you from GRIMDARK demons..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Huntsman's Amulet (Society of the Sword) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Duncan M Hamilton Page; Review: It was not as eventful as I hoped. Action also is less detailed. Most of time our hero is wandering aimlessly..Hope the next one makes up for it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The War of the Moonstone; Author: Visit Amazon's Jack Conner Page; Review: Its almost as the blurb say about the book. A weird cross of Tolkien and Martin. If and only if you consider tolkien ideal of good and evi,where evil is pretty straight to forward to discern. Its a departure from 'gray characters' that plague the grimdark genre .And similarity to martin limits to 'axer' aspect of martin. Only Mr.connor does it fast. The time it takes for the stark child to adopt the direwolves the first character in the book dies. From then onwards its a gala of reaping of heads. With the limited no of POVS he has I thought he would run out of people to kill. Rape and torture is aplenty. But it doesn't look like the voyeuristic style of by martin.(I'm referring to burning of lord stark by the mad king and rape of shae by tywin's soldiers). Its more like fleeting glance and less graphical and is less likely to haunt your psyche. the hero's (I'm not sure if Giorn can be called that) escapades are a series of unfortunate events. At one point I backtracked and found this : His kin has been killed,his lover horned him and he has lost his sword hand and is limping like san dan glokta .What worse can happen to him?Well ,I found out later that the author is very inventive in that direction. This most disturbing thing is depths to which the author dunks hero under 'disaster pool'. Of course reader knows that its a dark fantasy. Why are you making point of it now and then again?Especially towards the later part of the book ,most of these twists are half -baked and are mostly a means to reach the end rather than as a result of natural response of a character. But the villain is as cool any in fanatsy. He is like Mace Blakhale(sword of shadows) or Hughes(crown of stars)(they are my favorite villains in fantasy ). His is a Kind of insidious evil that insinuates and slowly corrupts people around him that even good people are seen in bad light. Its more evil than flaying or any violence. And his absolute conviction in it sets Raugst apart. As for as worldbuilding and history you wouldnt see 'the city of nowhere limned in moon lit glory' kind of desciption or acccounts of accoutrements or facial features which are actually standard page eaters in fantasy. What you have at the end is a fantasy that takes maddening twists and turns.(Every one who read dragon crown war know that fantasy can be overcooked with action. This one is overcooked with twists..some of them ill-conceived).I would rate this as an insanely bold attempt that worship dark aspect of fantasy frenetically. A gore fest ,Literally.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: valour; Author: Visit Amazon's John Gwynne Page; Review: Well written sequel.better than the first. Pov of maquin n ceywen were much more interesting than that of Corban. Corban is going thru wat can we call as 'coming to grips' with destiny dilemma of fantasy chosen ones. So contrary to the first where u look forward to next corban chapter here its somewhat frustrating. He has kept the style of holding on to Tolkienesque setting while adding upsets n twists n turns liberally. This makes for a fine read. Only complaints are poorly written battle scenes n absurd battle strategies.individual action scenes are well written. But its impossible to believe that a charge of warhorses cant beat shield wall or archery not being seen as heroic enough to use in combat .but worst is Corban's guerrilla warfare .while terror can account for success of first use of wolven gear, marching with it in open n playing wolverine vigilantes is so laughable. Giant slaying Valkyrie corvalen. Was an interesting addition to the cast. Edana was wasted totally. She will remain a figure head or bargaining tool for the remaining saga I guess. Fidele as a human Rights watchdog was interesting to watch. Hope for an even better sequel with better written seiges.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taming Fire (The Dragonprince Trilogy, Vol. 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Aaron Pogue Page; Review: A somewhat dark YA epic fantasy which shows dragons as dangerous apex predators..; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Autumn Republic (The Powder Mage Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Brian McClellan Page; Review: its a satisfying conclusion. but the magic and plot lost it novelty from book 2 onwards.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Knight's Shadow (The Greatcoats); Author: Visit Amazon's Sebastien de Castell Page; Review: It was good outing with kest basti n gang. action violence betrayals.. everything is there. 'second book slump syndrome' is not so pronounced here.looking forward for the end game; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Straits of Galahesh: Book Two of The Lays of Anuskaya; Author: Visit Amazon's Bradley P. Beaulieu Page; Review: its certainly an odd duck among epic fantasies.a Slavic civilization and quasi- sanskrit terms for magic.but you will come to like Nikander and his fiancee and the wind ships that run on both aether and winds.part one was superbly paced. part 2 , the visit to the la- la land of this book was not all that interesting.but it was wrapped up nicely. good interesting POVS( only 3 or so) and the world building doesn't drown you in words.high octane action with windship battles..it is ceratinly a go for a discerning reader of fantasy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Golden Son: Book 2 of the Red Rising Saga (Red Rising Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Pierce Brown Page; Review: it was even better than the first one. More action and more twists & more violence. Its a bloody cliffhanger climax.don't miss this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Veiled (An Alex Verus Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Benedict Jacka Page; Review: Plot : Verus join council as keeper. Following a lead tangles him with powerful factions within council. Pluses: Was a good follow up.he is gaining allies as well as powerful enemies. stage is set for drakh to enter. Goofs: some times too much info dump. Uncanny similarity to Dresden files.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hostel Siem Reap; City: Siem Reap Siem Reap Province; Review: I stayed here for about 4 nights in Feb 2012. This was a great hostel very close to the river and "Pub Street". The Dorm room has big beds (4 beds in total) and A/c which is a real plus. The Jacuzzi at the front of the hostel was just what we needed after a hard days walking around Angkhor Wat. The staff are great and there is free Tea and Coffee in the mornings until about 11.00. We booked transport from Siem Rep to Sihanoukville and found that the price teh hostel charges is exactly the same as the bus company round the corner (so no mark up on the ticket). I wopuld definately recommend staying here if you are in Siem Reap.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: India House Hostel; City: New Orleans Louisiana; Review: This is a great hostel to stay in. It is right next to the main tramline into the City Centre (cost approx $1.25 - exact change needed). The hostel has a very good community feel and I met up with people after only being there for about 30 minutes. We then stuck around together for 2 days. The hostel cook you breakfast (very nice) for $5 in the mornings if you would like. The beds are very comfy and the whole place was clean and tidy. No Gripes from me; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forest Bungalows; City: Chalong Phuket Town Phuket; Review: Forest Bungalows is a really decent place to stay in Chalong. The restaurant is great, serving all cuisines at very good prices. I stayed in a bungalow and found the room great. Big comfy double bed, NetSuite, tv, and fridge. Also cupboard for clothes and a portch to sit on. The rooms are very very clean, no issues at all. The staff are very friendly. There is a good swimming pool to relax in and an on site massure giving Thai massage for 200 baht. I cannot praise this place enough. really easy walking distance to all the training gyms in Chalong.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Le Village; City: Winnenden Baden Wurttemberg; Review: I stayed in here one night on my way from Cologne to Innsbruck. The Hotel has good underground parking. Free wifi in the Rooms and an adequate gym with 30kg dumbells and incline bench press. I ate a pizza in the hotel restaurant and it was very good indeed. Better than any in England. Breakfast was filling and sufficient. I got a good booking price as it was off season. The hotel is also on Google Maps and navigating to it was fine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Ramada Innsbruck Tivoli; City: Innsbruck Tirol Austrian Alps; Review: I had a very good nights sleep at the hotel. Free Wifi and good morning breakfast on the 10th floor. The fitness suite only has a runner, cross trainer and cycling machine. The steamroom and sauna are very good. I ate in the hotel restaurant which was really good and the staff were very friendly. The nearby (by railway station) shopping all is a 15 minute walk and well worth a visit with clothes stores etc... They have secure underground parking. They said that it cost 12 Euros but that never showed up on my bill.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sunset Backpackers; City: Florianopolis State of Santa Catarina; Review: I stayed here for a number of nights and have enjoyed myself in this relaxed well equipped hostel. You get a wristband on checking which all your drinks and food get charged to. You can pay it off at anytime or on checkout. Free breakfast which is substantial and filling. For 20 Reals you can enjoy the all you can eat lunch buffet that goes from about 1200-1600 make the most of it. Beers are around 6 Reals each, with a happy hour at 1830-1930 with a free caparinia. There is a vibrant evening bar and pool. You can catch a bus from the bus stop outside the hostel (the 360) to Lagoa for 3 reals. It takes about 10 minutes to get to the central bus station. In town there is a Bank of Brasil and a subway. Try and buy a large water from the supermarket as the hostel charge 3.50 Reals for a Small bottle if water. There is no free drinking water either. By the central bus station there is a good gym with cardio and free weights 35 Reals a day or 80 fir a week. It opens all week and until 1400 Saturday and closed Sunday. Down the road from the hostel there are bars where you can buy large beers for 8 Reals. They also have pool tables. There are many sushi bars along with dune surfing and water activities along the lake front. You can walk to Lagoa in about 40 mins. Make sure you keep on top of your tab and enjoy Floruanopolis.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: EHostel; City: Rio de Janeiro State of Rio de Janeiro; Review: I stayed here during Carnival in 2014 and found the hostel to be very good. The beds are very comfy with new clean sheets given to you on arrival. The breakfast is served from 830-1030 and is really great. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I arrived at 0800 and they allowed me to store my bags until checkin time. Great social atmosphere where you cannot help to meet people who are like minded. I booked the day tour of all the main attractions in Rio and it was very good. Be prepared to wait for pickup as the tour company has to go to a number of different hostels. Copacabana and Ipenema beaches are within easy walking distance to. Enjoy Rio; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Overnativa Green Hostel; City: Rio de Janeiro State of Rio de Janeiro; Review: Have had a great time here after Carnival in Rio. The owners have tried to adjust their Google Maps pin but with no joy at the moment. If you get dropped off at the main Pier go straight forward to the main road. Turn LEFT and follow the road about 300 metres. The hostel is on your left behind a White washed wall. If you are dropped off at Quarious, follow the beach round till you come to the first main left turn off the beach. Follow the road RIGHT and the hostel will be on your RIGHT after about 300 metres. The breakfast is very good and rooms have fridges for you to keep chilled drinks. Great communal area inside the main hostel. Like all hostels if people place their bags on beds then you run the risk of getting bed bugs. Get a silk sleeping bag liner and place on top of mattress, this reduces the chances of bedbugs biting you.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forest Bungalows; City: Chalong Phuket Town Phuket; Review: Well this is the second time I have stayed here in 18 months and I love it. The staff are very friendly and the rooms are spacious, clean and well equipped. They have a TV, Hot Shower, Safe and AC. The restaurant is very good with a lot of different choices on the menu. Thai Rd Chicken and rice is my favourite and takes about 3 minutes to come out from ordering. There a lot of different people that stay here but most of them train at the local Muay Thai and other gyms in the area. The swimming pool is a nice place to relax after a heavy training session. I stayed at the end of off season and the place was very quiet. If you want to come when it is busier then come in Feb/Mar time. either way you will have a very pleasent stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anchan Private Pool Villa; City: Chalong Phuket Town Phuket; Review: Eating at the restaurant was not a pleasant experience today. The smoothies that I had were not blended properly and were very icy, taste was pretty bland and not very nice. I had a curry for dinner and it tasted as if the water that was used was not that clean. The only dish that was OK was the spring rolls. More needs to be done to improve the quality of the food that is served here. The Decor is nice and modern, however the food does not match and needs to improve if they are to compete with the quality street vendors and smaller local vendors.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Most Dangerous Superstition; Author: Larken Rose; Review: Read this book if you think there is a political solution to America's downward slide. Had I not already been exposed to the ideas of Andrew J. Galambos in the 1970's, I can imagine that I may well have experienced a paradigm shift from reading this book. I will not try to review the book here. If you love the concept of true freedom, read this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Richest Man in Babylon; Author: Visit Amazon's George S. Clason Page; Review: I credit two books primarily with the abundance I have enjoyed in life. "The Richest Man in Babylon" and "Wells of Abundance" by Ingraham. "Richest Man" gives you the practical knowledge. Poverty consciousness is the single biggest hindrance to acquiring wealth. "Wells of Abundance" prepares your consciousness to receive abundance in a simple way and a gradually ascending manner. For many years it was my bible for dispelling the blocks I had because of my early environment. Most of the success I have enjoyed in life have not come from my direct efforts to acquire wealth, many of which came to naught, but from the soil I had prepared to receive it with the help of these books. Wealth comes to you as a natural inheritance when you get your negative thoughts and feelings out of the way. "Think and Grow Rich" can help in this regard also. I thought so highly of this book that at one point I bought 25 copies and gave them out to homeless people in Los Angeles instead of money. I definitely rate this book in my top ten. I hope it speaks to you.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nobody Knows Anything: Investing Basics Learn to Ignore the Experts, the Gurus and other Fools; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Moriarty Page; Review: Great little book for novice investors and speculators, especially those who get sucked in by newsletter writers who make money off of them by talking as if they know anything. Good reminders for the more experienced.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quimby Manuscripts; Author: Horatio W. Dresser; Review: In order not to repeat myself, let me start out by saying this review is obviously my opinion. This book is advanced metaphysics poorly written. You would have to be pretty far along in your metaphysical research or an unprejudiced long time student of Christian Science or similar to get much out of these repetitive and arcane scribblings. That being said, I believe Quimby to have been a pioneering genius and a gift to his time, as well as ours through those who have stood on his shoulders and clarified his message. Unless these writings were a hoax as to when they were actually written, which seems doubtful, it seems pretty clear that Mary Baker Eddy gleaned much from Quimby and borrowed liberally from his writings, concepts and ideas. That is not to say she did not improve greatly, if not immeasurably, on his initial discoveries. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of metaphysics, and it may even add to or supplement one's own understanding. Just please tell me that it was not a hoax or hit piece on Christian Science. If not, then I believe Mrs. Eddy owed him a public acknowledgement at the very least. "Only the shadow knows."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Quimby Manuscripts (Forgotten Books); Author: Visit Amazon's Phineas Parkhurst Quimby Page; Review: In order not to repeat myself, let me start out by saying this review is obviously my opinion. This book is advanced metaphysics poorly written. You would have to be pretty far along in your metaphysical research or an unprejudiced long time student of Christian Science or similar to get much out of these repetitive and arcane scribblings. That being said, I believe Quimby to have been a pioneering genius and a gift to his time, as well as ours through those who have stood on his shoulders and clarified his message. Unless these writings were a hoax as to when they were actually written, which seems doubtful, it seems pretty clear that Mary Baker Eddy gleaned much from Quimby and borrowed liberally from his writings, concepts and ideas. That is not to say she did not improve greatly, if not immeasurably, on his initial discoveries. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of metaphysics, and it may even add to or supplement one's own understanding. Just please tell me that it was not a hoax or hit piece on Christian Science. If not, then I believe Mrs. Eddy owed him a public acknowledgement at the very least. "Only the shadow knows."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cancer and The Lord's Prayer; Author: Visit Amazon's Greg Anderson Page; Review: It is encouraging enough to know of someone who has survived a death sentence and continued to thrive, but to read the actual words of this obviously sincere man can be life-altering if one listens and learns. If one person can survive, anyone can do it. I have been writing about the Lord's Prayer for 20 years, yet Greg still offers fresh insight. Please read for your own and all of our sakes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (Authorized, Trade Ed.); Author: Mary Baker Eddy; Review: If you are not religious in the traditional sense, or call yourself "spiritual, but not religious" or even an agnostic or atheist, this book may be for you. It is not a light read, however, and since it is likely at least several hundred years ahead of its time, it needs to be studied, nay, imbibed. It is a lifetime study. It's effects, depending on whether you see yourself as a more rational or a more emotional person, may not be so much seen as felt. You may get some quick answers and even some healing, but you may also find some long held beliefs disconcertingly challenged. If too much of a paradigm shift is demanded of you to accept its propositions and conclusions, you may even scoff and lay it aside. The book is easily criticized by the intellectual, but worldly minded, and even facilely parodied by such literary luminaries as Mark Twain. However, such skeptics miss the important points. Eddy has literally redefined God in such a way that even a more open-minded atheist might accept. Don't believe in God? How about Truth, Principle, Love or Mind? Do you believe in those? If you have already found some self-satisfied comfort in the belief, amply demonstrated by the five physical senses, that you live, love, laugh, eat and die, and that's it, then this may not be a book for you. Also, some of the concepts and arguments may be culturally based and may seem dated. After all the book was last revised over 100 years ago. Since the book is out of copyright, I imagine some spiritual and intellectual giant, and many lesser qualified, will attempt an update. For now, we have to work with what we have, but what we have is awesome, astounding and mind-expanding. So do your own translation. Think we are living in some kind of false paradigm or virtual reality? Well, Eddy already figured that one out in the 1800's.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Kangol Tropic 504 Ventair Hat; Brand: ; Review: Great for the summer!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kangol Men's Tropic Ventair 504 Cap , Black,XX,Large; Brand: ; Review: Great for the summer!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ExOfficio Women's Flyq Lite Vest; Brand: ExOfficio; Review: Love this! There is even a pocket for you lip balm/gloss.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dickies Women's Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Cargo Pant Fade & Wrinkle Resistant; Brand: ; Review: Nice but the pants are more like 1.5 sizes too small. I'd say ordwr 2 sizes up if you desire to have a loose fit. I returned mine. The company was very swift and courteous with the refund. The rating is for the product fit. Seller was great.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: BaiShengGT Women's Casual Jogger Harem Pants with Side Pockets; Brand: BaiShengGT; Review: I love, love, love these. They are a bit thin but you cannot see through them due to the patterns. the pants are perfect for spring and summer weather. I received compliments on my pants very often. I ordered a size up because I wanted to have a loose flowy feel. I would get anotherpair. Great buy. Great price!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alegria Women's, Flirt Mid Wedge Shoe; Brand: Alegria; Review: The four stars are for the service. The shoe was simply more narrow than other Alegria shoes and too narrow for me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: OrthoStep Round Athletic Shoelaces 2 Pair Pack - Made in the USA; Brand: OrthoStep; Review: I like these. I wear wide shoes and use the top lace notches which usually makes standard shoe strings very short. I would give 5 stars if these strings were thicker. Other than that, I like them and the navy matches my shoes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Protein Power Lifeplan; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael R. Eades Page; Review: This book is excellent. I'm convinced that the information contained in this book is valid. Not just because the author's provide plenty of relevant scietific information to support the diet, but mostly because after trying the diet plan I immediatedly began to feel healthier. I know there are lots of smart people who might argue against this diet, but I'll listen to my own body before any MD, Phd or whatever. I'd give this book my highest recommendation not only to people who are trying to loose weight, but to people in general.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Automatic Wealth for Grads... and Anyone Else Just Starting Out; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Masterson Page; Review: My favorite chapter in this book is the one on real estate investing. As an engineering major, I'm not very familiar with this sort of thing and found it to be a good introduction. I also like his advice on how to approach work and how to get promoted. I think this is a great read for students in general.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Doctor's Heart Cure, Beyond the Modern Myths of Diet and; Author: Al Sears; Review: The information in this book could be very useful to many people besides those who have heart problems. I read it to learn about the PACE method. I really liked the arguments in favor of abandoning long duration endurance exercises because it's not an activity that I particularly enjoy. I only subjected myself to that torture in the past because I thought it was essiential to improoving my health. However, I'm never going to do it again because this book provides good reasons against it and provides a much better alternative. I think that the PACE method provides a much better cardiovascular work out and best of all, it's far more enjoyable. I would recommend this book for people in general.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stupid White Men ...And Other Sorry Excuses for the State of the Nation!; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Moore Page; Review: I read this book because my English Professor spoke highly of it. I would call it a collection of stupid and hypocritical opinions and ideas. So why did your bridge fall down Mr. Engineer? Oh, I dropped my structural steel class so I could do a course in another language. I don't think it's right to criticize something like a college degree if a person doesn't even possess one. Actually I think that something like a college degree would be a great start before writing a book like this. It might decrease the chances of writing a book as stupid as this one. This book insulted my intelligence and I wouldn't even recommend it for a laugh.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Power to the People! : Russian Strength Training Secrets for Every American; Author: Visit Amazon's Pavel Tsatsouline Page; Review: I liked this book and have been following the cycles in my strength training for quite some time. The principle of irradiation is interesting and I've since eliminated the idea of isolation and replaced it with emphasis. I like how this book teaches a practitioner to become strong without adding any mass. I would only give the book 4 stars because it is a start and not a one stop source for developing strength. For the price of the book, it should be. I have made significant gains on this program but have reached plateaus and I also find that when I abandon this training, my progress is quickly lost. I think the author purposely holds back information in his books so that he can later publish new books containing the missing information and make more money. This is no way to do business. All this aside, this is a great start to strength training but the book does have its limitations.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beyond Stretching : Russian Flexibility Breakthroughs; Author: Visit Amazon's Pavel Tsatsouline Page; Review: I'll automatically give this book 5 stars because I think the information contained in it is very valuable. When I first read this book a few years ago, I was 6 inches from doing a full side split and couldn't get any further. This book provides powerful contradictory methods that worked very well for me. Within 6 weeks I achieved my first side split. However, it is very tough. Getting down into the splits is inevitably painful and uncomfortable. However, this book teaches you to distinguish between the pain of progress and the pain of injuring yourself. Lots of the former will result in all the flexibility a person could possibly need. I know it sounds like a masochistic pursuit but I've tried lots of flexibilty programs and this is the only one that I would recommend for guaranteed results. He also teaches people how to be flexible all the time which is great for martial artists. Being able to do high kicks is useless unless a person can do them all the time. Real situations don't allow the luxury of a warm up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Powerlifting Basics, Texas-Style: The Adventures of Lope Delk; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Kelso Page; Review: This is a very different approach compared to what I'm used to in books on this subject. However, it is interesting. He does give some useful principles of training along with the stories. I particularly liked Kelso's Laws and how he conveys the idea that less can actually mean more. I wouldn't call this a be all end all book on strength training, but I don't think such a thing has ever been published. It is an entertaining read and it provides good training advice.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Super Joints: Russian Longevity Secrets for Pain-Free Movement, Maximum Mobility & Flexible Strength; Author: Visit Amazon's Pavel Tsatsouline Page; Review: I'm giving this book such a low rating because of the ridiculous price. I bought it and read it a few years ago and I never feel the need to make reference to it. I question the actual value of the exercises. Recently when I was doing basic military training, I was doing some small knee circles before morning pt. One of the medical officers in my platoon walked over to me and said "stop that, that won't do a thing for you". For what I paid to read about this technique, that should have been the last thing on the mind of a medical professional.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Vertex 3-Piece Hard and Soft Cover for Motorola DROID X MB810; Brand: Naztech; Review: fits perfectly and is exactly like the picture; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BONAMART ® Flip Polka Dots Leather Case for AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 - Pink; Brand: Generic; Review: fits perfectly and is exactly like the picture; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: [6-Pack] Supershieldz- High Definition Clear Screen Protector for Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) + Lifetime Replacements Warranty; Brand: Supershieldz; Review: screen protector covers my screen completely.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ULAK Galaxy S5 Case, S5; Brand: ULAK; Review: I love this case the color is exactly the same as shown on the picture. fits my phone perfectly and does the job.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: White 2M/6FT Noodle Flat Micro USB Charger Cable Cord For Samsung Galaxy S2 S3 i9100 i9300 S5830; Brand: ChineOn; Review: works great and arrived on time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Generic Snap-On Case for T-Mobile ZTE Concord V768 - Retail Packaging - Black; Brand: Generic; Review: fits perfectly and is exactly like the picture; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Cell_Phones_and_Accessories |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Lands of Loyal Hotel; City: Alyth Blairgowrie Perth and Kinross Scotland; Review: We recently held our Wedding at Lands of Loyal. From arrival on the Thursday till our departure on the Monday, we could not have been better looked after. The hotel, staff, service and food were absolutely outstanding. In the run up to the wedding Xhosa was very patient and accommodating and helped everything run smoothly. We were lucky enough to make our "grand entrances" down the stunning staircase which really set the day off in style. Our ceremony was held in front of the huge, open fire and our guests sat cosied up on the comfy sofas... So much so that after the ceremony, we don't think they wanted to get up.. Our guests have commented on how beautiful the venue was and the food was first class. Even although it was a wedding with 70 guests, the portion sizes were the same as they would normally serve and to the highest quality. It is also worth mentioning that our guests were able to choose their meal choices from 5 selections per course on the day unlike other venues where you would need to choose in advance or just get 1 option. The canapés and buffet in the evening were equally as scrumptious albeit many of our guests were so full from the meal, they didn't need much buffet! We booked a few rooms for our bridal party and other guests booked directly, the rooms were spacious, clean and well presented. We felt really relaxed in the rooms and the overall surroundings. If you are looking for a nice meal in comfortable surroundings, you need to give this hotel a try.. You will not be disappointed. We can not praise the hotel and all their staff highly enough...and struggle to find the right words to explain our gratitude to everyone involved in making our wedding day absolutely perfect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bird In Hand Country Inn; City: Knowl Hill Maidenhead Windsor and Maidenhead Berkshire En; Review: We were looking for a nice homely country inn and glad we found this place. There was a wedding on the night we stayed however, we had received an email advising us of this before our stay. It was nice to have received the advices and don't think all hotels would do this. Hotel was very clean and bedroom was large and comfy. It had all the things you would need to make your stay a pleasant one. We had a great nights sleeps, the pillows were so comfy!!! We ate in the bar as restaurant was being used by wedding party however, there were no issues with this and the food was really tasty and ample servings. Had a nice stay and would certainly recommend.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lands of Loyal Hotel; City: Alyth Blairgowrie Perth and Kinross Scotland; Review: We were lucky enough to have our wedding here in 2015 and we went back to celebrate our anniversary. From the moment we walked through the door, we were greeted with the same homely welcome as we enjoyed last year. It is simply, an amazing place.. Food was excellent, all home made, great portions and so tasty. Room was well presented and spotlessly clean. Staff all pleasant and can't do anymore to accommodate you. We are already looking forward to our next anniversary visit next year or before, if we can make it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Back of Beyond Touring Park; City: St Leonards Dorset England; Review: Stayed here for 6 nights. We were in the tent field with no electrics, through choice. Plenty of room to pitch with no restrictions and not having to worry about pitching on top of your neighbour..... Plenty of rabbits to keep us entertained.... Clean toilets/showers, friendly staff - no issues at all; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lands of Loyal Hotel; City: Alyth Blairgowrie Perth and Kinross Scotland; Review: We visited in September 2017 for another stay at this beautiful "home from home." Room was clean and very well presented, nice little touches which add to the comfort and luxury of the rooms. Service was great, as always. Everyone very helpful and accommodating. Food... well, what can we say - it is absolutely brilliant!! Well cooked, good portion sizes, piping hot and great selection. The staff can not do anymore for you and so friendly and helpful. We have already booked our next stay in March 2018 and looking forward to it. Highly recommend a stay here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Dresser Palmer House; City: Savannah Georgia; Review: Sean and Don were excellent hosts....When we arrived sean gave us a city map and marked the various sites and tours we may want to see. He called and made tour reservations as well as calling for taxis when needed. The breakfast was included and substantial southern cooking. The location was about 10 blocks from the waterfront but near savannah restaurants and shopping, as well as on the edge of the scenic Forsythe Park, so we Were able to park the car and walk everywhere on our two day visit.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Mayorazgo; City: Madrid; Review: We would not ever stay here again and we do not recommend anyone else does. We were placed at this hotel as a part of a Key Tours (based in Fairfax Virgina)package deal to Spain - visiting Madrid and Barcelona. When we arrived at the hotel we showed them the Key Tours voucher and were told rooms would be ready in 5 minutes...please wait. We sat in lobby and watched at least 8 parties register and receive room keys. After two more requests, we were finally given room key. The room was back in a dark corner of the hotel and had no window; but it did have an opening in the bathroom which looked on a shaft within the building. This shaft had water pipes and drains that were dank, damp, musty and smelly - all filtering into our room. After a brief time in our room, my husband began sneezing and my nose stuffed up as my eyes watered. When we returned to front desk the receptionist, Julian Jimenez, ignored us with the infamous "nothing-I-can-do" shrug. Long story short, we were taken to three rooms that all had a damp, dank musty smell that was masked by a deodorizer. According to the hotel, these were the room choices. For 3 days my husband sneezed through every night. My clothing smelled like room deodorizer. I had itchy eyes and difficulty sleeping. This "elevator -like pipe shaft" dripped water and sent a terrible smell. The hotel attempted to cover it with a deodorizer that was almost as bad. Our disappointment rested on the fact that Key Tours had billed this as a four star hotel. No possible way....old, worn out furniture, second rate fixtures in the bathroom, thin bath towels and stiff linens.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Arc La Rambla; City: Barcelona Catalonia; Review: We were pleased with Arc la Rambla. It was one block from the metro stop so we did not need to use a taxi; and the metro system in Barcelona was awesome. We were close to the waterfront, the old section and the museums. The hotel was clean; the breakfast was delicious and especially well managed by two lovely women. The front desk was helpful with directions and tours. We would stay there again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa; City: Killarney County Kerry; Review: The hotel is ideally located. We were on the edge of the town but within a block of all the restaurants and shops. So it was easy to stroll the shops but also no problem to travel to sites out of town. We were 1 block form the jaunting car trips and next door to the park and church. The hotel breakfast was deciduous and the staff was easy. Our room was good sized but we had no refrigerator. I did not have any wifi reception...but it was a beautiful lobby I sat in to do my email. The lack of wifi was a problem.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hanna House Bed Breakfast; City: New Bern North Carolina; Review: The Hanna House was centrally located in New Bern and two blocks from the water. We easily walked to anyplace we wanted in this quaint city. Persimmons was an excellent restaurant nearby on the water and several other nearby eating establishments offered varied cuisine. The rooms were spotlessly clean, the furnishings of the house were gorgeous antiques that were beautifully displayed; yet the amenities (air conditioning, showers, bathrooms)were modern and convenient. Our breakfasts menu listed 10 different culinary choices - omelets and stuffed French toast being only the start. Our hostess also helped us plan our jaunts to Beaufort and the Outer Banks. I can only say positive things about the Hanna House and its hostess!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Guy Harvey Outpost a TradeWinds Beach Resort; City: St Pete Beach Florida; Review: I knew it was going to be a great stay when we met Derek at the front desk. We had just driven 10 hours; we asked for a room beachside and he helped to us find us one. Every staff person that we talked to during our 4 day stay was super friendly and accommodating. The room staff did an awesome job with towels and water; the groundskeeper had a friendly hello whenever we saw him; the concierge spent time with directions and suggestions. The cabana men were always bringing extra towels and water. What great management and a staff of awesome, cheerful people. Loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Frederick Hotel; City: New York City New York; Review: The hotel lobby is intimate yet accommodating to all. There is a dining room attached to the hotel for meals. There is also a Starbucks next door. There is a subway stop on the corner 100 steps away. Any special atoiletries were provided and towels were soft and fluffy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Plants vs Zombies Mini-Figure Set (6 Figures); Brand: Plants vs Zombies; Review: Nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Angry Birds Go Telepods Dual Launcher Set; Brand: Angry Birds; Review: Nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KNEX Plants vs. Zombies Figures, Series 1 by Other Manufacturer; Brand: Other Manufacturer; Review: Nice product!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inside Out Musical Bing Bong; Brand: TOMY; Review: Perfect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Buddy Official Kirby Adventure Cutter Kirby 8" Plush Doll; Brand: Little Buddy Toys; Review: Beautiful. Thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hilton Madrid Airport; City: Madrid; Review: I was doing a tour of Italy and France and stopped in Madrid for a few days. This hotel was amazing, very modern, very spacious compared to most European hotels. My only complaint is, I wish this hotel was closer to central Madrid. It's quit a walk from the hotel and the subway stations. I'm very surprised that Hilton doesn't have a hotel in Madrid. It is very close to the airport which was convenient for me since I had an early morning flight to Rome and the shuttle service was great, on time and friendly.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Capital Hilton; City: Washington DC District of Columbia; Review: My favorite hotel in DC. I've stayed here twice. Two blocks from the white house and a few blocks from the metro station so getting around is so easy. My only complaint about this hotel is the outragous room service prices, when I'm travelling / on vacation I like to eat and go. There's a starbucks around the conor and a nice italian restaurant next to it. Also I would highly recommend taking the red line subway upto friendship heights, lots of restuarants up that way.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Hotel; City: Buenos Aires Capital Federal District; Review: I really want to give this hotel 5 stars but I do have one compaint about it, and that the shower doors are very inefficent. Every time I would take a shower, there would be a giant puddle of water in the bathroom. I tryed everything, putting towels on the floor (they'd just get soaked) to moving the water away for the glass. Nothing worked. Other than that this is a very nice hotel in Recoleta. Very quiet area. Close to the cemetary and Subte. I walked almost everywhere. Lots of Resturants nearby, beautifully decorated. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast every morning. Minimal items but still good. I would stay here again but like I said, the shower issue hindered my score of the hotel. Hopefully next time I stay here it will be resolved.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pod 39 Hotel; City: New York City New York; Review: Hotel is in a good location. Grand Central is a few blocks away. Rooms we small and bed was very small but the hotel served it's purpose. Has a really cool rooftop bar. Price was right. Will absolutely stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Econo Lodge City Central; City: Auckland Central North Island; Review: Stayed at this hotel overnight after a 14 night New Zealand cruise. All I can say is thank god I only stayed one night and wasn't in the room very much. The room it self was about the size of my closet back at home with no air conditioning. They do provide a small fan so at night it's not terrible. Sorry but I can not recommend staying here. Staff was very helpful and friendly however; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Travelodge Hotel Sydney; City: Sydney New South Wales; Review: Stayed in this hotel for 3 nights prior to taking a 14 night cruise out of Sydney. Stayed in Sydney to visit family and to do a little sightseeing. Hotel is in a good location, just down the block from Hyde park and Oxford St which has allot of restaurants and cafes. About a 25-30 min walk to the Opera House / Circular Quay. Hotel was clean. Staff was very helpful. Room was a bit small, but served it's purpose for the amount of time I spent here. WiFi and breakfast are WAY overpriced at this hotel.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kingston Hotel; City: Vancouver British Columbia; Review: Stayed here pre-cruise. Small and simple B&B. Great location in my opinion. Served it's purpose for the price. would probably stay here again, only because I really enjoyed the location. Easy access to the metro. Lots of restaurants within walking distance.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Extended Stay America Tampa Airport Memorial Hwy; City: Tampa Florida; Review: This would be a perfect hotel for a quick stay if it didn't reek of cigarettes everywhere. Stayed here pre-cruise, I had a late arrival (plus a delayed flight) thought this would be a decent enough place to stay the night before cruise. I arrive at the hotel and the front desk clerk is outside smoking a cigarette (of course) she tells me she'll be with me in a minute, which then turned into 10. Then she arrives and starts complaining about how hard she's working (are you really??????) . I get in the elevator and immediately smell the cigarette smell, get on my floor and same thing. Get to my room and it smells. (I had a non-smoking room.) I was so tired at this point that I didn't complain, now I realize I should have but I was so exhausted by this point and I was so ready for my cruise the next day. It really is a shame because it is a nice hotel. Clean (except for the stench) . Please clean this hotel up.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tryp Barcelona Apolo Hotel; City: Barcelona Catalonia; Review: Probably one of my favorites in Europe. Super clean. Friendly staff. Great location, not directly on La Rambla but close enough to walk. Room was nice a spacious. Good storage. Very welcoming hotel. Elevator is a little small but typical of Europe. I would stay here again in a heart beat and have been recommending it since I returned home.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: ASICS Mesh Backpack; Brand: ; Review: Big pocket, good bag.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coghlan's Backpacker's Trowel; Brand: Coghlan's; Review: Nice and hard. Bought a few of them, they will prove useful; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fallkniven F1, Black; Brand: Fallkniven; Review: This is a knife you can trust with your life. The spine is at least half a centimeter thick, which is awesome.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SZCO Supplies Small Skinner Patch Knife; Brand: SZCO Supplies; Review: Cheap trash made in pakistan. Don't buy.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Boker 02SC743 Magnum Lil Friend Micro with 1-3/8 In. 440 Stainless Steel Blade; Brand: Bker; Review: as described. Would be better if it had a bit of a handle guard.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: A Decade of Hits 1969-1979; Brand: Allman Brothers Band; Review: Great album.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wilson Pickett's Greatest Hits; Brand: Wilson Pickett; Review: Great album.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Allman Brothers Band; Brand: Allman Brothers Band; Review: Great album.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1: 1964-67; Brand: Various Artists; Review: Order cancelled.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Live at Fillmore East; Brand: Allman Brothers Band; Review: Love this CD.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_CDs_and_Vinyl |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Songs in Ordinary Time (Oprah's Book Club (Paperback)); Author: Mary McGarry Morris; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: The Bridges of Madison County; Author: Robert James Waller; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; Author: Leonore Fleischer; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!; Author: Fannie Flagg; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: A Bouquet of Love : An Arrangement of Four Beautiful Novellas About Friendship and Love (Heartquest); Author: Ginny Aiken; Rating: 6.0/10.0 | bookcrossing |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Adrienne Brodeur's Wild Game Is an Intoxicating Memoir About Her Mother's Affair; Abstract: Essayist Emily Bernard reviews the "stunning tale of treachery."; Category: entertainment
Title: The dark side of Dallas: Bus tour reveals hidden stories behind human trafficking; Abstract: The 15-year-old girl planned to rendezvous with her trafficker at the food court at NorthPark Center. She was one of the estimated 400 teens sold for sex every day in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She worked in a motel a quarter of a mile from Highland Park. The teen made $125 from a client but wasn't allowed to keep any of the money. The girl's pimp warned her not to spend any money on food. There are common misconceptions about sex trafficking:...; Category: news
Title: Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd Had the Most Awkward Run-in on the Set of Friends; Abstract: Rudd had a rocky first few days on set.; Category: tv
Title: The forged Christopher Columbus letters; Abstract: Copies of a letter written by Christopher Columbus describing his first impressions of the Americas have become so rare and valuable, they're being stolen and replaced with forgeries at some of the world's most prestigious libraries; Category: news
Title: 20 Teen Movies on Netflix Your Kids Will Love (and so Will You); Abstract: How many of these movies have you watched?; Category: tv
Title: 20 Teen Movies on Netflix Your Kids Will Love (and so Will You); Abstract: How many of these movies have you watched?; Category: tv
Title: Teen's Fan Mail to Her Favorite Writer Leads to the Pair Co-Authoring a New Novel Together; Abstract: "It's incredibly surreal," said Taryn Everdeen, who is now 18.; Category: news
Title: How to Get a Second Passport Based on Your Family's Roots; Abstract: Your family ancestry could open the door to new places around the globe.; Category: travel
Title: Shea Patterson had his eyes gouged by Penn State defenders during touchdown; Abstract: After having his eyes gouged at the goal line, Michigan QB Shea Patterson said, "I was screaming for my life for a second."; Category: sports
Title: Rep. Katie Hill admits to having a relationship with a staffer after the announcement of an ethics probe; Abstract: California Rep. Katie Hill confirmed that she had an inappropriate relationship with a campaign staffer following the announcement of a probe from the House Committee on Ethics.; Category: news
Title: Man left his wife nothing, and her stepchildren told her to scram; Abstract: 'His life insurance was supposed to go to my mother, but that policy was terminated a few months prior to his death due to a missed payment,' the woman's daughter told MarketWatch.; Category: finance
Title: America's cheapest cities where everyone wants to live right now; Abstract: Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. are commonly referred to as "superstar cities" -- innovation hubs that are home to major companies in industries like defense, finance, and technology.; Category: finance
Title: Missing Va. Teen Is in 'Extreme Danger' After Alleged Abduction; Abstract: Isabel Hicks: Missing Teen Allegedly Abducted by Mom's Suicidal Ex; Category: news
Title: When Costars Clash: 13 Onscreen Pairs Who Were Allegedly Feuding Offscreen; Abstract: Chelsea and Heather, Jennie and Shannen, Nicki and Mariah these celebs weren't afraid to speak their minds about their co-workers; Category: entertainment
Title: Heartwarming Stories of Relatives Who Found Each Other Through DNA Tests; Abstract: Millions of people have used commercial DNA tests to trace their family trees. For a few lucky folks, the results have been life-changing, introducing them to relatives they had lost long ago or never knew existed. The post Heartwarming Stories of Relatives Who Found Each Other Through DNA Tests appeared first on Reader's Digest.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Airline Passenger Faked Pregnancy by Stuffing Items Under Dress to Avoid Baggage Fee; Abstract: Woman Caught Faking Pregnancy to Avoid Baggage Fee; Category: travel
Title: Celebrity hookups and first dates: How your favorite stars met and got together; Abstract: Find out how Beyonce and JAY-Z, Goldie and Kurt, Tim and Faith, J.Lo and A-Rod and dozens more stars first met.; Category: entertainment
Title: In Acid For The Children, Flea thumps and pops his way toward profundity; Abstract: ; Category: entertainment
Title: Miranda Lambert Reveals the Real Reason Behind Her Secret Wedding: 'It's Not for Everybody Else'; Abstract: Miranda Lambert Reveals Why She Secretly Married Brendan McLoughlin; Category: music
Title: All 44 Stephen King Movies, Ranked Worst to Best (Photos); Abstract: Where does "Doctor Sleep" place among the many big-screen adaptations of the horror master's work?; Category: movies
Title: Joey King: Filming 'Kissing Booth 2' With Ex Jacob Elordi Was 'Worth It'; Abstract: Joey King: Filming 'Kissing Booth 2' With Ex Jacob Elordi Was 'Worth It'; Category: movies
Title: Collector's items that are actually worthless today; Abstract: You might be surprised to discover that items like Beanie Babies, Barbie dolls, and Norman Rockwell pieces are actually worthless.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Elderly mother caught in a lie; Abstract: Dear Amy: My mother is 93 years old. I found out a few years ago that she was pregnant with me when she and my father got married. I was looking through some papers, and I saw that their marriage license was in a sealed envelope.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Kentucky man dies trying to save sons from Florida rip current during family trip; Abstract: Stephone Ritchie Sr. was on a family vacation in Florida when he died. "He got caught in the waves," after ushering sons out of water, a cousin said.; Category: news
Title: CVS rejects Purdue student's Puerto Rican ID, asks for immigration papers to buy cold medicine; Abstract: CVS apologized after a Puerto Rican Purdue student said employees said he needed to show immigration papers to buy cold medicine.; Category: news
Title: Severe weather shifts boat stuck on Niagara Falls rocks for 101 years; Abstract: A barge that has been stuck atop some rocks in Niagara Falls for more than 100 years has finally shifted as a result of severe weather.; Category: news
Title: Nina Dobrev and screenwriter boyfriend split; Abstract: Nina Dobrev and Grant Mellon split after less than a year of dating.; Category: tv
Title: Jamie Lee Curtis Opens Up About Being 20 Years Sober, Going Public With Her Addiction; Abstract: One night it was late 1998 Curtis was doing what she usually did. She was in the kitchen of her Los Angeles-area home making dinner for the family. She reached into her pants pocket, scooped up five Vicodin and swallowed them all at once with a swig of wine.; Category: movies
Title: ICYMI: The week in TV news for Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2019; Abstract: TV networks vying for first Felicity Huffman post-prison interview, Game of Thrones creators exit Star Wars deal, plus more of the week's biggest TV news.; Category: tv
Title: Prohibition ended in 1933. Yesterday, this tiny rural town repealed its dry laws.; Abstract: Argyle, N.Y., a dry town since before Prohibition, voted to change the law.; Category: news
Title: Eric Bledsoe forgot the rules of basketball on this inbound play; Abstract: Eric Bledsoe forgot the rules of basketball for a minute on one boneheaded play during his Milwaukee Bucks' 129-124 win over the LA Clippers on Wednesday night.; Category: sports
Title: Watch: 'The View' Versus Donald Trump Jr.: Loud, Low Blows, Politics, Scandals And Great TV; Abstract: Updated throughout, videos added Whoopi Goldberg wouldn't say his name, Sunny Hostin said he was lying, Abby Huntsman accused him of using "dictator" tactics. And Donald Trump Jr. gave it back, accusing Joy Behar of once wearing blackface and resurrected Goldberg's defense of Roman Polanski as not committing "rape rape," all in a; Category: tv
Title: Iowan convicted of murder claims his life-sentence was served once he died, was revived in medical emergency. The court disagrees.; Abstract: An Iowa convicted of murder was rushed from prison to the hospital where his heart was restarted five times. Now he claims he should be freed; Category: news
Title: Cherry disappointed with MacLean's apology: 'He buried me'; Abstract: Don Cherry isn't happy with former Hockey Night in Canada partner Ron MacLean. MacLean publicly apologized Sunday for Cherry's offensive comments from the night prior. Cherry, who was fired by Sportsnet on Monday, said MacLean "buried" him with his response. "Very disappointing," Cherry told Global News on Tuesday. "We're still friends, but I was very disappointed in the way he handled it. I don't want to go and condemn him or anything like...; Category: sports | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: StarTech.com Cat6 Ethernet Cable - 25 ft - Blue - Patch Cable - Snagless Cat5 Cable; Brand: StarTech; Review: CAT 6 - just what's require for those longer video streaming connections - very good quality and flexible. Would recommend; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anker 8-in-1 USB 3.0 Portable Card Reader for SDXC, SDHC, SD, MMC, RS-MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro; Brand: Anker; Review: Compact, Fast & Trouble free - along with a super price - What more could you want. I would definitely recommend this purchase!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eathtek New Laptop Keyboard for HP dv4 Series Black US Layout; Brand: Eathtek; Review: Removed the old keyboard from the HP dv4 - installed the new one - no problem - Make sure that when you install the new keyboard - you DO NOT PUT THE HOLDING SCREW thru the ribbon cable (I did the first time and had to order the 2nd one) This time I used masking tape to hold the long ribbon cable in place - then secured the 2 screws from the back. Worked like a charm. Great price - delivery a bit long but well worth the wait - What do you expect when it's coming directly from China. I must say - that IS NOT a CHEAPLY MADE keyboard especially for the price and then check the price what HP wanted for a replacement. YES - I would purchase again from this company - They answered my e-mail question with in a day and not one problem with the product.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: (2 Pack) Vivitar NB-6L / NB-6LH Batteries for Select Canon PowerShot Cameras; Brand: Vivitar; Review: Absolutey the BEST BUY BUY on the internet - My Canon SX810HS took 65 pictures - including 25 pics that used the flash plus 14 minutes of video - all on the same battery. I feel that's not bad for a basic 'point & shoot' camera. Delivery was fast (prime member) and the quality of the batteries seem as good - if not better than the original Canon battery. The Vivitar batteries are rated with a higher mAh rating, which will last longer. Will up date this comment later.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: EMPTY; Brand: Vivitar; Review: Great product & pricing - You won't go wrong - The Vivitar battery maintains power longer than the original battery.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: amPen Slim (6mm) Hybrid Stylus Replacement Tip (5-Pack); Brand: amPen; Review: Best stylus on the market - LOVE the 6 mm size; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Polk Audio Omni SB1 Plus Home Theater Sound Bar System; Brand: Polk Audio; Review: GREAT SOUND - worked like a charm, especially the separate VOICE selector...; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Farberware Classic Replacement Lid, 8-Inch; Brand: Farberware; Review: Bought this to fit over my Cuisinart 12" pan and it fit perfectly. I was apprehensive at first because of the reviews, but took a chance. Glad I did because this Farberware 12" lid fits just as I wanted.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle; Brand: Cuisinart; Review: August 2011 - What a pot! Boils water so fast. If you are a tea drinker, this is the perfect pot to boil water to the correct temperature for delicate leaves, which maximizes flavor. There are different gauges/water temperatures to press on the handle. The water can reach 175 degrees in something like 2 minutes. I can't say enough about this pot. It's attractive and easy to use. A must have for tea drinkers, or for those who want to boil water fast. March 01, 2016 - Update - After 4 1/2 years of using at least 3x per day, this kettle finally died. I ordered another one and received it yesterday. I made 4 kettles of water before it stopped working! The buttons would light up but the water would not get hot. I have the item back in it's box to return to Amazon. I'm chalking it up to getting a lemon. Now I don't know whether to buy one more to try, or just get another brand. I was fine with the first one lasting 4 1/2 years. Interestingly, my first one cost $84 and this second one was $96, but when I went to return it today, the price went down to $85! March 17, 2016 - Update - I decided to purchase another. The way the top opens is different than the last two. It now snaps open quickly and makes a popping noise instead of opening softly. Even the one I just returned opened softly. After close examination, the product is definitely not as well made as the first one I bought in 2011. The window to see the water level is now plastic and opaque versus the old one which was clear and looked like glass. I have decided to keep it for now and see how long it lasts. I also purchased The extra 3 year warranty for an additional $6.99. The kettle went up $4 when I finally decided to buy it ($89 was my purchase price). So even with the extra warranty it came to the same price of $96 which was the selling price early March.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Web Linens Inc Set of 2-20 x 20 Pillow Inserts - w/Pillow Protectors - Exclusively by Blowout Bedding; Brand: Web Linens Inc; Review: Received the pillows promptly in very sturdy box. Pillows were in a plastic bag. Please be sure to order up at least 2 sizes. My cases measure 18"x18" and I purchased 20"x20". I wish now I purchased 22"x22". The inserts were not the same in filling. One was filled very full and the other was thinner. And as the other reviews have mentioned, the corners have no filling. However this isn't really an issue if you buy a bigger size. Overall they are a good product and do the job. I wanted to return the thinner filled one, but felt it might be more trouble than it was worth.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: All Purpose Clear Acrylic Box; Brand: HomeAndWine.com; Review: Well constructed and perfect for cotton and swabs or really anything you want to put in it. I'm planning to order a few more. I love the flip top box! Came extra quick and packaged well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pinzon Diamond Matelasse Coverlet, King, Silver Grey; Brand: Pinzon by Amazon; Review: Gorgeous and the perfect color we wanted. We're using it to layer on our bed. We have the comforter on top of the matelasse and it matches just right. I recommend this blanket highly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Glass Top Snack Table Chrome and White; Brand: Coaster Home Furnishings; Review: Poorly contructed and the price shoud tell us that but like others that ordered, we're hoping for at least a 'good' product. The glass is held on by tiny suction cups and the metal is plain cheap looking. Spend a bit more and get something that will last.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: SDBING Crystal Clear Acrylic Cotton Ball/swab Box + High Quality Cleaning Cloths; Brand: SDBING; Review: I search and searched for the right q-tip holder and this is it! And it doesn't matter if you don't put them in straight, they still come out fine. Easy access to q-tips and makes life easier.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Household Essentials 2213 Krush Canvas Utility Tote | Reusable Grocery Shopping Laundry Carry Bag | Beige, Large, White; Brand: Household Essentials; Review: I keep this in my husband's closet to hold his worn shirts before the cleaners comes to pick them up. It holds up well and does not collapse. I like things that are structured and stand up. This bag would be perfect for all your laundry needs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thirstystone TSMV Thirstystone 4 piece Coaster Set Monogram V; Brand: Thirstycoasters; Review: Does what it says it will as far as absorption. Well made and handsome item. Came well packed and on time. A definite buy if you need coasters.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vollrath (67814) 14" Wear-Ever Aluminum PowerCoat Fry Pan; Brand: Vollrath; Review: Non stick and works great. Handle has protection and the small size is great for a few eggs and heating up quickly. And such easy clean up; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cotton Swab Box in Acrylic; Brand: US Acrylic; Review: Small and well made. I have it inside my vanity drawer and it make it very convenient to grab a Q-tip when I need one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Whirlpool W10413645A PUR Ice and Water FILTER2 Refrigerator Water Filter (1-Pack); Brand: Whirlpool; Review: I have purchased these in 3 different places, and none of them work properly. Also had 3 different Whirlpool techs come to my home and tell me the same thing... that whirlpool knows the problem with these filters and they simply don't work. Water will flow for about 3 days and then it won't come out anymore.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Taymor Oval Resin Mirror Decorative Tray with Pink Roses, Antique Gold; Brand: Taymor Industries; Review: I can't say this is the best as far as the quality, but it looks great and does what I need it to do. Looks really pretty on my vanity with my perfumes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Calla Lily Bridal Wedding Bouquet 10 head Latex Real Touch Flower Bouquets (KC57 Purplish Red _20pcs); Brand: Bridal Wedding Bouquet; Review: Small flowers and fit perfectly in the 8" Glass Square Bud Vases I bought here on Amazon. I got the green color and they look very realistic.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zack 40321 Tenno Soap Dish 4.72 by 3.54 -Inch; Brand: Zack; Review: I put this in my husband's shower and it looks and functions great! No more soggy soap and it's so easy to clean.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Craig Frames 16 by 16-Inch Black Picture Frame, Single White Mat with 1-12 by 12-Inch Square Opening; Brand: Craig Frames; Review: Put a store bought large postcard in this and it looks amazing. I originally took the postcard to a framer and he wanted to charge me $85!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Whitmor 14" Collapsible Cubes Set of 2 Java; Brand: Whitmor; Review: Not as sturdy as expected. I put lightweight tees, stretch pants and pajamas in this and it seems to be too heavy for it. One of the corners already has a hole. Other reviews stated this was extremely sturdy which is why I purchased it. A bit disappointed but I still give it 3 stars because it still serves it's purpose for now.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Whitmor 6351-1234-JAVA Fashion Color Organizer Collection Hanging Accessory Shelves, Java - Set of 2; Brand: Whitmor; Review: Not as sturdy as expected. I put lightweight tees, stretch pants and pajamas in this and it seems to be too heavy for it. One of the corners already has a hole. Other reviews stated this was extremely sturdy which is why I purchased it. A bit disappointed but I still give it 3 stars because it still serves it's purpose for now.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Face Off; Author: x Various David Baldacci; Review: An incredible compilation of stories by some of the World's best talent! A diverse cross section of thrills, horror and disbelief. A must read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Night of Long Knives (Hannah Vogel Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's Rebecca Cantrell Page; Review: Hannah Vogel comes out swinging in this first book of the series. Colorful characters and ironic situations keep you wondering what will happen next.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Trace of Smoke (Hannah Vogel Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's Rebecca Cantrell Page; Review: This first novel gives us what we crave in every novel; a heroine in a place where to exist was a danger. By daring to involve herself in situations that no one else can, she prepares us for her journey to single handedly overthrow Hitler's Reich.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A City of Broken Glass (Hannah Vogel); Author: Visit Amazon's Rebecca Cantrell Page; Review: Hannah Vogel is back and this time she's playing for keeps. Cantrell presents an impossible heroine in Nazi Germany with the moxie to the Reich by whatever means necessary.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Game of Lies (Hannah Vogel); Author: Visit Amazon's Rebecca Cantrell Page; Review: Cantrell keeps journalist Hannah Vogel's adventure going full speed. Keeping us in 1930's Berlin she portrays the fear of being against the Reich in vivid detail. Highly recommended,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: On the Train eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Rebecca Cantrell Page; Review: In a stroke of genius the irony of of offering assistance in Nazi Germany is brought to life. Cantrell hit the nail on the head with this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Extinction (Sigma Force); Author: Visit Amazon's James Rollins Page; Review: Love the weaving of science and fiction into spellbinding action with big guns and smart assed comments! Relatable characters and believable scenarios make this a MUST READ!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Four: A Divergent Collection; Author: Visit Amazon's Veronica Roth Page; Review: I was impressed with the series until this point. I truly felt that the story ended perfectly with the final book. We had gotten to know Tobias through Tris' eyes until book three when he spoke as well. I believe the other two books could have been done the same way and cut this one completely.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Wild Men of Alaska: Four Book Bundle; Author: Visit Amazon's Tiffinie Helmer Page; Review: I adored the colorful and romantic characters Helmer has created for these stories. Having grown up in Montana, I can relate most to her Russian hero. Many laughs and certainly many steamy sighs! Fall is here and winter is on the way. This book is sure to keep you warm.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Private North; Author: Visit Amazon's Tess Oliver Page; Review: Oliver has an uncanny ability to combine suspense with romance. The damaged yet virile Dalton North causes the reader to experience a plethora of emotions that click perfectly with the plot. Enough action that keeps the story moving but not so much that the romance is dimmed. Highly recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stay; Author: Visit Amazon's Hilary Wynne Page; Review: Hilary Wynne does an amazing job keeping hot, sultry, erotic sex and life balanced. Her characters are flawed and realistic which is no easy feat in erotic fiction. Without spoiling the book, I will also say that Wynne has done a perfect job of tackling some very serious issues in today's world and her depiction of them is spot on. As a woman who has dealt with all of them, I speak from experience. This is one Hell of a read. Highly recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ashley's Bend (A Celtic Knot Novel) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Cassy Roop Page; Review: Roop gives the reader plenty of steamy, erotica and throw in some serious emotional plot twists. The only thing for certain about this book is that there will be sex and lots of it. Other than that, the characters keep you guessing from page one. Fantastic cliff hanger which is a rarity in erotica story lines. Did he get the girl? Did he get to keep her? You must read to find out.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Which Witch is Which? (The Witches of Port Townsend) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Kerrigan Byrne Page; Review: A devilishly wicked Halloween tale of epic proportions! Villains that still manage to make you want to devour them and nymphomaniac witches who can and will mesmerize you with the sway of their hips keep the pages turning with nary a spell needed. The four distinct witches are written by four distinct authoresses that still manage to weave their magic in ways that compliment each other and keep the reader guessing. If I didn't know better, I'd suspect that Kerrigan Byrne, Cynthia St. Albin, Tiffinie Helmer and Cindy Stark were indeed a sisterly coven themselves! Unique plot twists and sexy immortals keep you spinning in their web of sultry erotic scenes in spite of the fact they plan to feast on the witches in time. Do they? You'll not hear it from me! However, I will tell you to park the broom in the corner, fill the goblet to the top with blood red wine, stoke the fire to crackly warmth and settle in, sisters! You'll be here until the last drop spills.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Olympus Killer: Greek Island Mystery #1 (Greek Island Mysteries) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Luke Christodoulou Page; Review: The Olympus Killer spins an incredible web of intrigue with undeniable plot twists. Christodoulou approaches serious societal issues that many still consider taboo as he demonstrates the hurt a young boy experienced at the hands of his stepfather. It's amazing how this abuse is explained throughout the book and allows the reader to understand how the killer was made. Not for the feint of heart but a face paced and highly recommended read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Fistful of Evil (Madison Fox Adventure) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Rebecca Chastain Page; Review: Fistful of Evil is far beyond my realm of reading. I generally devour nonfiction and historical fiction like Cheetos. However, I took a chance on Chastain and I was not disappointed!! Taking the reader into a parallel dimension her lead character, Madison Fox, refers to as "soul-sight", Chastain weaves an intricate web of evil and her talent to eliminate it. Hard to dislike "imps" described and "fluffy balls of cute" and able to suck the pureness from one's soul without their knowledge. Fox's ineptness creates a character easy to relate too as well as realistic. Her shortcomings and bad decisions only make her more lovable. An acute love of animals and nature flows forth in a tale filled with demons, guns and horny teenage gamers to round out Fox. I was very impressed with the uniqueness of the story line as well as Chastain's ability to involve the reader in any and all confrontations. She added a sultry vibe without taking it that further step to erotic that allows the reader to know exactly how she feels as a woman. This is a highly recommended read! Looking forward to book two in the Fall of 2015!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Miracle of the Kurds: A Remarkable Story of Hope Reborn in Northern Iraq; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen Mansfield Page; Review: As a connoisseur of non-fiction I have grown used to a dry presentation with little "life" to the facts. Stephen Mansfield goes against this grain in his book, "The Miracle of the Kurds: A Remarkable Story of Hope Reborn in Northern Iraq." In addition to little known facts about Kurdistan and those who live there, Mansfield tells his personal story of interaction with many Kurds both in the United States and in Kurdistan. Anecdotes portray the incredible hardships that the people have endured as well as their victories through perseverance. I was introduced to many people who have molded Kurdistan into it's present stability at the highest levels and the lowest. Startlingly, I had never heard of any of them! Most frightening for me, were the facts shared about despot, Saddam Hussein, that I was unaware of. The story of Mansfield sitting in one of Hussein's thrones was especially moving. He expressed doubts of belief in his experience but it came across as genuine and more than realistic. Well researched, well written and personally lived- this book does an amazing job of introducing the reader to this magnificent people and the horrific tragedies that have befallen them. It also urges me to take a closer look at my government and it's actions toward a peace loving people. Highly recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Valhalla Prophecy: A Novel (Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase); Author: Visit Amazon's Andy McDermott Page; Review: To say that this book is a page turner is an understatement. To say that I couldn't put it down, while true, doesn't do it justice. McDermott keep you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, and wanting to scream all at the same time. The characters of Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase are colorful and realistic even while their antics border on the impossible. McDermott makes you believe that every event can and is happening to these two. The thought of a substance as dangerous as "eitr" is disturbing. To know that governments could go to such lengths to obtain it is criminal. However, in this day and age it is believable. McDermott's knowledge of Norse mythology is unparalleled and a joy to read. The journey from Vietnam, to Sweden, to Russia and then to Canada is not only nonstop action but accurate. McDermott makes your teeth chatter with his descriptions of the terrain and the below zero blistering temperatures. He makes your muscles feel the strain of fighting through that cold and the ice and snow to achieve something that would result in your death if you fail. In the vein of James Rollins, the historical connections to real world problems keep the reader enthralled. Highly recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three Quick Steps: An Inspring Account of Struggle and Recovery; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Emmett Page; Review: Three Quick Steps is an inspirational and motivational story unlike any I have read before. Honoring Irish patriot, Robert Emmet, THIS Robert Emmett has proven to be a true warrior. Diagnosed with paralytic polio in 1952 and surviving several surgeries to assist in his ability to walk. Emmett describes in depth how he literally had to crawl before he could walk in order to build of muscle strength. He pays tribute to many strong and caring people who helped him to achieve everything he wanted in life. His mother assisted in the painful physical therapy that he was required to endure in hopes that he could live a somewhat "normal" life. Many other family members and friends walked this path with him. Emmett graduated high school despite missing large amounts of time due to his surgeries. He then went on to get a PhD in chemistry from a top university. He then followed his dreams to become a successful businessman with his strong wife (we're talking Jackie O. here!) Jane and their son John. While I did not understand half of the scientific and technical achievements he had (I'm a humble police officer) I was all too pleased to read them. In this day of immediate gratification and self entitlements, this story isn't just a breath of fresh air but a gale. To hear about the personal heroics of a complete stranger who dealt with a debilitating disease that causes immeasurable pain and remain focused not just on the present but the future as well in heartwarming. I believe the title, Three Quick Steps, referencing his analysis of the game of tennis is apt. He literally saw a sport that he wanted to pursue and he figured out exactly how hard he could push himself and still be successful and then he trained for that skill. Three quick steps and he could hit the ball back and if his partner was good enough, he'd never have to run. In this example he also illustrated his need and acceptance of others' strengths to assist him in his own success. He played off of their talents and without question, lent them his. I don't believe I have ever read a more poignant definition of teamwork. Emmett wrote this book for his son and grandsons. However, I believe that this is a book that everyone should read without question. The determination of this author is beyond reproach. Highly recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bloodgifted: Book 1 of the Dantonville Legacy; Author: Visit Amazon's Tima Maria Lacoba Page; Review: After disappointing vampire stories like the Twilight saga this story line was a breath of fresh air. All of the thrill and gore of vampiric tales and a sizzle of unexpected romance give it plenty of plot twists and a few suspected wrong turns. Main character Laura is portrayed as a school teacher who waits to lose her virginity until just shy of her 50th birthday. In a relationship with an overprotective police detective she believes she's found love. Until the bottom of her life drops out in shatters. Told on her 50th birthday of a blood gene causing her remarkable lavender eyes and slow aging process that requires her to have a "guardian" whom she must sustain with blood gifts begins the slow unraveling. In addition, she's told that nothing in her life as she believed it to be. Lacoba introduces the readers to a slew of quirky characters throughout the story. Some have fangs. Some don't. All have incredible ties to the beginning of a curse brought on by standard Roman warfare. Night dwelling families have survived for centuries, even millenia and they stick together through the present day struggles in order to survive together. To harm one is to harm then all and Laura has just found out she's one of the clan! This book was not only a "fun" read but an interesting one as well. There is certainly an feeling of suspense that keeps you reading long past your bed time. When you finally reach the end, you Google Lacoba to see when the next book is due out. Guess what? It's here. While my husband is going to be peeved, I know what my next few days entail. Grab it! Now!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rich in Hope (Richness in Faith Trilogy) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Lindi Peterson Page; Review: "Rich in Hope" is a beautiful story about the difficulties of remaining true to one's Christian values in 2014 when Christ is viewed as a negative word and Christians often view as intolerant. Main character, Jenny Harris, perfectly portrays the masochistic views of a society obsessed with external beauty and the lengths some will go in order to obtain this societal standard. In her need to pursue the image ingrained in her by the objectification of women, she destroys what she believed was her only worth, her face. In true Christian fashion, Peterson introduces attractive wildlife photographer, Stephen Day, in Jenny's hour of need. Though the initial relationship was based on a lie, Peterson shows that God does indeed work in mysterious ways. These two broken people seek God and in so dong they find each other. A Christmas story of mistakes, deception and ultimately redemption, Peterson also tackles a subject that has been viewed for a long time as taboo. In true gentlemanly style, Stephen insists on remaining intimately separate until after the vows before God. This is a question seldom asked in today's society and certainly one that begs to be revived. The introduction of a blind child in desperate need of both Stephen and Jenny captivates the reader's imagination on what future situations will occur. A particularly heartbreaking incident involving three classmates shows the propensity to turn into a bullying scenario when Jenny's maternal instincts kick in and the situation is handled with motherly finesse. This was a wholesome, Christian, family read for Christmas. the written imagery is nothing short of delightful and the smell of pine in the air is almost too real. This is a perfect book for a young lady coming of age in 2014. It teaches self worth, confidence and the ever so hard to obtain self confidence that will enable her to treat her body with the respect she deserves. It also demonstrates that their are men out there who agree. You must simply look for them and remain true to your heart.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Christmastime 1942: A Love Story (The Christmastime Series) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Linda Mahkovec Page; Review: World War II was a romantic time in our history as well as a heart-wrenching one. Life was vivid and vibrant in an era of black and white photographs. Agnes Irene brings the 1942 to life in the scarlets of lipstick, the grey of the smoke of war and the sunshine of hope in New York City. In a stunning display of humanity, she introduces the happy go lucky sailor in Gino. He's a breath of fresh air and smiles even though he's already had several "close calls" in his young Naval career. She brings warm-hearted artist, Lillian, to the scene as a working mom and newlywed with two young sons, Gabriel and Tommy. The unit is held together by the intelligent and patriotic, Charles, who chose this ready made family as his own. That's just one unit! To add to the colorful cast, we are introduced to Edith. A stunning brunette beauty with a heart of gold and the determination of a soldier. Did I mention she's crippled? It's easy to forget that! Agnes Irene doesn't give that fact much of a chance to thrive because she's created another "Rosie the Riveter." It's difficult to paraphrase the effect that Agnes Irene has created within these pages. She literally took the grey scale hues of most photos from 1942 and colorized them with life. The reader can see the ornaments on the Christmas tree. You can smell the gingerbread baking. You can feel the heartbreak as a soldier is taken too soon. Then, you can come back around and watch the two sons of Lillian and Charles mend the broken space and direct you to where life still goes on. This book gave me, a thirty five year old police officer, a glimpse at how we were back then. I got to see how a society reacted to the War. I experienced a close knit family unit back when parents knew where their kids went and who their friends were. I witnessed patriotism and pride in one's self for a job well done. I lived through Christmastime 1942 with a group of New Yorkers who were more real than many characters I've encountered. I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. I'll be passing it along to my mother so she can get a glimpse into the life her parents lived.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Widow (Elemental Assassin); Author: Visit Amazon's Jennifer Estep Page; Review: Estep brings a cast of devious villains and a heroine who isn't sure which side she's playing for. Corrupt cops, money hungry drug dealers and "elementals" with the power to roast, freeze you or even heal you keep you guessing from one sentence to the other. Certainly a sci-fi/thrill ride of epic proportions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Underwater; Author: Visit Amazon's Julia McDermott Page; Review: McDermott weaves a truly disturbing tale of money, greed, abuse and ultimately madness in "Underwater." Portraying a strong female lead with business acumen and confidence to put any male lead to shame, she also projects an underlying guilt for events in her past. Her younger brother, Monty, is every inch a narcissistic, egotistical and maniacal user and abuser. He blames her not only for her success his lack of success. In a twisted plot to extort money and control from his sister, his wife and young daughter are caught in his twisted web of deceit. In his bid to obtain that which does not belong to him, Monty, loses everything important to his life and ultimately loses himself. Plot twists and turns keep you turning the pages to find out what is next. Not to mention, have a detailed knowledge of how to design and market swimsuits and all manner of ladies undergarments.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Farewell to Cedar Key; Author: Terri DuLong; Review: With whispers of the "YaYa Sisterhood" present through a group of older women called the "Sisters of '68" DuLong introduces the reader to the many layers of small town life. Main character, Josie Sullivan, is a 35 year old single mom who has not only put herself through nursing school but been able to raise a daughter Orli, and remain on amiable terms with her father, Grant Cooper. This year Orli turns sweet 16 and both parents have agreed to spend Christmas together and celebrate together a few days later. The back story between Josie and Grant is unique. Many of us have the "one who got away." Not Josie. She has the one who is willing to wait 16 years to marry her! After becoming pregnant at 19, Josie chose to drop out of college and return home. In addition, she ensures that Grant is able to live his dream of a law career and be as active as possible in Orli's life. Her independence and his success are the only true factors she considers. After several uneventful relationships she finally meets a handsome young doctor. Sparks begin to fly but will they fizzle out when Grant decides he wants to be a more permanent part of his daughter's life? You'll have to read to find out. Wonderful "feel good" and inspirational book! The prose and personalities will keep you as warm as the scarves their knitting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Leg to Stand On: An Amputee's Walk into Motherhood; Author: Visit Amazon's Colleen Haggerty Page; Review: Colleen Haggerty has written THE inspirational book for the ages. Not because she lost a leg in a car accident and not because she overcame the physical challenges incorporated with that event but because she had the courage to share her emotional trials with the world. It's more of a stigma today to have emotions than a physical disability. Beginning her journey in 1979 when she loses her leg trying to get assistance for her siblings in the ice and snow, she found herself as a 17 year old young women having to rethink everything she believed to be true. As a middle child in a large family she'd already felt as if she blended into the background. After the amputation she felt that it became the definition of "Colleen." She goes in depth into her thoughts and feelings about the reactions of society to her new disability. She felt that new expectations had been placed on her and in a real sense, they had. Haggerty feel into a well of despondency until she decided to define her disability and not the other way around. She began skiing! Then she tackled soccer and hiking. She finally made it through college. She learned to love and lose and made same relationship mistakes that we all do. She had hard decisions to make that she felt she MUST make due to her amputation and she had to learn to live with them. Then, her life changed when she met Mark. She'd quit looking for love and admitted to herself that it was acceptable for her to never marry. She could be an independent, fully functioning woman with one leg and no husband. As she said, when we stop looking we find exactly what we need. After a whirlwind courtship, Mark and Colleen were married and six months later they discovered that they were to be new parents. This is the scariest and most amazing news on earth for a "normal" person. Imagine this news knowing that you couldn't run after your toddler when he/she was in the street. You couldn't move quickly enough to catch them when they fell. However, together she and Mark tackled this challenge as well. Twice. Her descriptions of the trials and triumphs are amazing. You find yourself crying with her but even more often cheering with her. I believe that she overcame her greatest challenge when she finally came to terms with and forgave the man who'd caused her life change. A man named Harvey had been living with the same pain, self doubt and self blame that she was to the point that he'd never traveled that section of interstate again. She initiated her first contact with him due to anger. She'd planned her blame session out in exacting detail. Then, she spoke to him. He didn't shirk responsibility. He embraced it. He told her time and again, "I'd give you my leg if I could." Their meeting began with an obligatory hug and ended with a genuine hug. Over the years they spoke on the phone. She; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Phoenix Island (Bram Stoker Award for Young Readers); Author: Visit Amazon's John Dixon Page; Review: What a bleak outlook of what could be. Yet,it gives hope as well. "Phoenix Isalnd" truly s the "Lord of the Flies" of today with a macabre twist. Instead of mere boys left on their own you meet boys being turned into blood thirsty killing machines. Lead character, Carl Freeman, is anything but a free man. In fact, he was orphaned after his police officer father was tragically injured in the line of duty in a manner that later caused his death. His mother died from cancer. Carl was left with a promise to defend the weak and he keeps that promise. Unfortunately, that entails horrific beatings of bullies that the law cannot excuse. After his 18th infraction at 16 years old, he's sent to Phoenix Island. He's told he'll remain there until his 18th birthday at which time if he follows the rules, he can stay or leave. However, if he breaks the rules, he'll return and serve a prison sentence for his crimes. Of course, it's not that easy. Phoenix Island is a boot camp of monstrous proportions. They only accept orphans. No communication of any kind and no one knows their location. Singled out by a sadistic drill sergeant on his first day, Carl finds himself with a target on his back. The goal seems to be to break his spirit and force him to fight by blatantly mistreating those weaker than him. For a time he manages to control his need to defend. Until one day everything changes for him on Phoenix Island. One of his punishments has been to be the "book man" who assigns guard duty etc. In the role he has an office. In trying to hide a note from the beautiful Octavia he finds an old journey describing horrors untold. Murder, torture, nazi-esque medical experiments and more have been carried out here for years. Their goal is to create a generation of super soldiers with no sense of right or wrong. The ultimate plan is burn the world as we know it to ashes and watch the rebirth of mankind in the image set forth by the godfather of Phoenix Island, Stark. To put an end to the horrors, Carl must fight Stark. The prize? One person leaves the island. It will be Carl or Octavia. If he stays, he'll be trained as a Phoenix Force super soldier and be forced to kill innocents with no thought of his moral structure. Is it worth it? You must read this incredible story to find out whether good will defeat evil. Highly recommended 5 star read. I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's; Author: Visit Amazon's Greg O'Brien Page; Review: Greg O'Brien's contributions to the understanding of Alzheimer's Disease in his memoir On Pluto are simply unparalleled. Having watched two grandmothers and a grandfather succumb to this brutal disease I am in awe of his strength of character and his ability to laugh. His descriptions of Pluto in reference to Alzheimer's is spot on. You truly watch your loved ones drift away into an isolated plane and never return. It's one of the cruelest diseases because their is not only a cure but very little visible illness. When my young sons first met "GrandMa Taimi" she was already 90 years old and in the mid stages of the disease. I hadn't thought to explain to them that she would repeat herself and ask the same questions of them. To their credit, when she asked their ages, they told her. Names? A polite answer. Later, when we were driving to the hotel, my oldest son, Chandler, asked me why she did that. Having no experience with young children and their reaction to the disease I found myself using the Alice in Wonderland theme as well. However, since they were watching the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp version I explained that she was losing her "much-ness" just as Abselym believed Alice was. They grasped the situation immediately. Taimi passed away in October and I'd wanted this book for the boys to read as well. Having watched three family members lose their "much-ness" was astounded to read O'Brien's methods for keeping the book on point. Emails and texts to himself were perfect! He handled frustrating and potentially embarrassing situations with panache and dignity. David nailed it with his blurb on the back when he said, " Alzheimer's messed with the wrong man." This is an in depth explanation into what the disease is as well as what it does. It describes in detail how O'Brien went through each lapse in memory, each hallucination and even the horrifying trek to give up his financial freedom. He discusses the stages of coming to terms with a disease that will take everything from him. A lifetime will effectively be wiped from his mind. He discusses his mother's diagnosis as well as his dad's and the hard decisions that he was forced to make in regard to them I'd give this book six stars if I could. Highly recommended for anyone with questions about Alzheimer's or to prepare them for the difficult journey into the abyss. I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I am so thankful that I did.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In Flanders Fields; Author: John McCrae; Review: This is a powerfully illustrated book to teach children of the brave sacrifices made by soldiers the world over during World War I or "The Great War." It uses the timeless poetry of John McCrae to do so. As an American police officer and the wife of an Iraqi Freedom Veteran I have a deep seeded respect for all soldiers whether they're American or not. Obviously, I view law enforcement in this vein as well. However, we are taught very little about the heroics of soldiers in other countries. This is the beginning of rectifying that oversight. My sons have asked me many times, "Why do the veterans give us these red flowers when we give them money?" I am ashamed to say that until I read this children's book, I had no clue and kept forgetting to look it up. In addition to the explanation for the poppies this book also introduced me to the "soldier" John McCrae. What an incredible man! Canada is rightfully proud of their lost son. I highly recommend this book to every grade school teachers, history conscience parent or inquisitive youngster. As I said, it's beautifully illustrated and very easy to understand. A masterpiece to be passed down through the generations! I won this 100th anniversary edition through a Goodreads Giveaway; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Head of State: The Bestselling Brexit Thriller; Author: ; Review: This book reminded me a bit of "Wag the Dog", an American book about a select group of individuals spinning political events to benefit a certain politician. However, this one is more macabre and certainly more chilling. This is the first book from a British perspective that I have read and I have to say that I am impressed. The writing style is very different from what I am used too but captivating nonetheless. Marr's use of older individuals in his group of "fixers" was very well done and unexpected. This group of people were "retired" special ops and other various backgrounds to "spin" a very serious problem. Set in 2017, Great Britain faces it's most serious question yet; to stay in the European Union or declare independence. Two very determined factions are fighting to reach their goal. The Prime Minister is in the pro EU camp while his brutal female adversary is against it. It's your run of the mill political battle until the Prime Minister dies and no one knows it but a select few. This is where the "fixers" come in. It's not stop twists and turns from this point forward. This is one of those books that make a person wonder; is that possible? Then, you look back through history and question certain historical events. This story is all from the mind of Andrew Marr. However, has it ever happened? We'll never know. A highly recommended read. I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Land of Steady Habits; Author: Visit Amazon's Ted Thompson Page; Review: This is certainly not your "run of the mill" book. In fact, at the end I found myself shaking my head and asking, "What did I just read?" Thompson did a fantastic job of taking an "average" upper class family and exposing all of the ugliness and insecurities that lie beneath the surface. Anders Hill grew up the entitled son of a southern judge who refused to walk the line his father had set for him. In a bid of rebellion and self preservation he struck out on his own to to college for what he wanted to do. He then spent the rest of his father's life trying to prove his worth to him. College also brought the girlfriend of his best friend, Helene into his life. They married young, had two sons and lived an upper crust lifestyle. However, one son followed the rules while the other chose to break as many as possible through drug use, theft, etc. Now, Anders is 60 years old and working in a profession he loathes for employers he believes to be nothing more than criminals. He chooses one day to strike out on his own. This works out fine until the troubled son of his judgmental neighbors decides that he's more likeable than his parents. When the boy over doses, Anders feels responsible. Even worse, others blame him. This book is a glimpse inside of the dirty laundry that upper class America tries to hide and deny exists. It's "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" meets "Family Guy" in a surreal expose on human weaknesses and the drive to feel accomplished. This is a very well written and structured work. It's easy to follow and while you may think you know what the next page will bring, you don't have a clue. A solid four star read. I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: It's All About Muhammad: A Biography of the World's Most Notorious Prophet; Author: Visit Amazon's F. W. Burleigh Page; Review: To begin with I must state that this is a very well researched, thought out and well written book. I am a Christian who believes that before I can approve or disapprove of another religion, I must understand it. I read the Koran in high school. This book put many of the passages that raised red flags in my mind into perspective. I've often said that Islam is a violent and unforgiving religion. I've also said that if you're a Muslim, there is no room for anyone else. Period. Reading Burleigh's research into the genocide and systematic eradication of Christians and Jews supports both of these thoughts. I've long been baffled on how one man could reach adulthood and decide that he was the "Messenger of God." Sure, Jesus claimed to be the Son of God but he preached love and peace. He didn't condone the wholesale slaughter of other religious factions. He didn't encourage pillaging and eradication. Muhammad did. In fact, he simply murdered those who didn't agree with him. The written style of the Koran makes little sense without doing the research to put it into context. I can clearly see the self serving methodology and prose that Muhammad used. It was brainwashing. It was fear. It was bribery. It was wrong. How mankind has passed fourteen centuries and still believes in this nonsense is beyond me. After his death, most of the conquered lands revolted. He was largely looked upon as a fraud. Yet, people still follow this mindset today. I find it telling that even the "converts" eventually split into two factions because they couldn't agree on who to hate. Who to pillage. This is a book that everyone needs to read. I am stating that Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, everyone. The only way to know what one truly believes is to challenge those beliefs. I have done that. I didn't merely stop at reading the Koran. I dug deeper. Mankind needs to do the same. What began as a harmless self promotion of a possibly mentally ill man and his hatred for anyone who disagreed with him has spanned centuries and morphed into mass killings of innocents today. I sit at my computer and I see beheadings. I see human beings burned to death inside of a cage. Their crime? They were not Muslim. I understand that not all Muslims believe this way but the one who do are a danger to everything mankind holds dear. I can honestly say that after my research and culminating with reading this book, I agree with Burleigh. We have to pay attention and make people understand that this hatred will not end. It will not go away. The violence will continue until every non-believer is either dead or converted. Be aware.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up; Author: Visit Amazon's Jamie Janosz Page; Review: An inspirational book about women who spearheaded women in Christian service as well as the world of politics! Janosz begins prior to the Civil War and chooses little known women in history who should by all rights have their own chapters in history. Many of these women were from the Chicago area while all of them had benefactors or associates in common. Janosz chose white as well as black women to explain the importance of women in the service of God in a time when this country desperately needed Him. She even takes the reader to England and introduces us to the first International General of the Salvation Army. There are so many intriguing and interesting facts in this book that it's hard to pick "favorites." Incredibly researched and very well written. This book is highly recommended. I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bloodpledge, The Dantonville Series-Book 2 (The Dantonville Legacy) (Volume 2); Author: TIma Maria Lacoba; Review: Lacoba has done it again! She's managed to spin a unique vampiracal tale with maximum tension and minimum "Twilight"! I read this book in two sittings. I LOVE the character of Alec. He's a predator. A carnivore. Yet, he's tender and protective of those he loves. Should you cross him, he'll give you no quarter. I am beginning to like Laura more now that she's not only embracing who she is and where she came from but she's learning to defend herself. It was understandable in the first book that she was foundering and confused and it endeared the reader to her. Now, she's got knves and the need to defend those SHE loves. She's becoming a badass. I hope that continues. This is HIGHLY recommended but do start with the first in the series, Bloodgifted. You won't regret it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Texas Mail Order Bride (Bachelors of Battle Creek); Author: Visit Amazon's Linda Broday Page; Review: In "Texas Mail Order Bride" Broday brings us a "clean" cowboy romance. Without all of the embarrassing nuances of the erotica genre, Broday still manages to portray romance and intimacy. She just does so in a respectful manner. Main character Delta is a head strong Georgia peach who is filled to the brim with fire and determination. Leaving behind a life of isolation and discontent, she jumped the first carriage to Battle Creek, Texas in the hopes of wrangling the handsome Cooper. Unknown to her, letters written to her over months were not from him and he is a confirmed bachelor. He even belongs to a club of them! However, Delta stays on in Battle Creek and makes her presence known. Especially to the loner cowboy, Cooper. This is a story with "true" characters. Everything they say and do is realistic. You find yourself rooting for both Delta and Cooper. Tension is present throughout in the form of Tolbert Early, a dead man come to life in Cooper's past who has a hankering to kill him. Of course, if hurting Delta will help his cause, he isn't beyond that either. Highly recommended. I met Ms. Broday at a book signing in Barnes and Noble in Amarillo, Texas. She was very personable and a class act. Truthfully, I don't generally read romances of any sort. I bought the book to support a Texas author. However, after reading this one I will be seeking her future works out. I bet you will too.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood Infernal: The Order of the Sanguines Series; Author: Visit Amazon's James Rollins Page; Review: Just when I think that Rollins and Cantrell will run out of ideas, they blow me away again. In my humble opinion, the creativity and inspiration. These two not only create new tales from old Bible stories... they take old Bible stories and tweak the meaning! The simple addition to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden of a promise made by Eve to the serpent and never kept changes the entire outlook on the end of the world. Using main characters of Jordan (the Warrior of Man), Erin (The Woman of Learning) and Rhun (the Sanguinist priest,the reader is taken on a moment to moment thrill ride to many places. Time is spent in Rome, Venice, France, Prague and even Napal in a quest to decipher the Blood Gospel and save mankind from Lucifer's destruction. Obviously, they've kept many of the same characters but the dynamic has surely changed. Rhun has become less stringent on rules as is demonstrated early in the book with an incident involving a blasphemere and her cub. Jordan is more withdrawn due to his heavenly status as the Warrior of Man. Erin has become more determined than ever to live up to her role in the Prophecy. Countess Elizabeth Bathory 's role in the book is totally unexpected. I'd explain but no spoilers. I have to say that this is my absolute favorite in the Blood Gospel Trilogy. You literally have no idea what will happen moment to moment. This is not a book that a lazy reader can skip to the last few pages and figure it out either. I read so much that I am rarely surprised by story lines. This one knocked me out. HIGHLY recommended. 5 STARS.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: War of Rain; Author: Visit Amazon's H. W. Vivian Page; Review: I honestly cannot remember the last time I read such a creaitve, thought provoking work. I would give this a 6th star if I was able. Vivian has managed to take an abstract idea in the existence of "rain" and turn it into the livelihood of a futuristic people. In the vein of Orwell, she creates a post apocalyptic realm and creates four known tribes: Rain-gatherers, the builders and potters with one chink in Utopia in the form of barbarians. Immediately, the heroine, a young rain-gatherer named Miri is faced with a life altering decision: to save one of her tribe by killing a barbarian or allowing her tribeswoman to die and thus lose her humanity. She chooses the most difficult option and saves her tribeswoman from certain torture and death. For this, the barbarians send her on a quest t find the rain god, Kalono and bring back an invention that brings both war and peace. As she treks into a dark mountain alone, she overcomes her fear and finds herself with a learned fifth tribe of Troposians. Here she is taught to read, write and think independently. She finds that knowledge is true power and discovers the invention she seeks while also finding her rain god. This is a truly beautifully written story of a young woman not only coming of age but finding herself and her core beliefs. The power of prayer plays an incredibly strong role in this story and ultimately links all the tribes together in ways that she nor any of the other tribesman had ever imagined possible. I was truly stunned by my emotionally reactions to this book at every turn. You certainly sympathize with Miri and you find yourself thirsting for the serenity and self confidence that only rain can bring. Some would consider this book young adult but in truth it is an enjoyable read for all ages. I'm gong to forward this book on to both of my sons (10 and 13) and I have very high hopes that this book will help shed light on the inner struggles that everyone fights and that one must never give up one's beliefs or values. This book exhibits strong personal integrity, accountability and of course, faith. This is a highly recommended read for anyone who is literate and wishes to question the current status quo in regards to faith and sacrifice. Go buy it. Now.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Maids in a Row; Author: Visit Amazon's Teri Kanefield Page; Review: This book is a delightful trip back in time for a young girl without a clue. Through the mysteries of time travel, Mattie, is thrust into the life and body of Mary Queen of Scots. Kanefield goes to great lengths to make the reader understand how those times were. From describing in depth the discomfort of the torture device know as a "corset" to her misunderstanding the daily mannerisms, Kanefield shows the reader how different things were for women back then. Women were expected to act and speak in a certain way. Of course, as a disowned daughter of the current king, Mary was more tightly monitored than most. Yet, Mattie refused to just "shut up and listen." As she was "guided" in making decisions that she knew would have a long range impact on history, she asked questions and gave the matter serious thought before responding. She always took care not to alter history as she did. There is a very profound lesson in empowerment here for young girls everywhere. Kanefield also allowed Mattie to grow beyond her years in her time travels so she was faced with mature decisions in this time period as well. The transitions were flawless. In this age of the sexualization of young girls, Kanefield has carefully crafted a journey that not only teaches them the history that many forget, but she has also given them direction to think for themselves. This is so much more that a book. It's a peek into how things used to be and it illustrates how far the female gender has come in freeing themselves from society's "corset" of stereotypes. I highly recommend that all parents buy their daughters this book for the reasons I've stated above. I recommend that parents buy this book for their sons so that they may understand just a little bit of the feminine battle and realize earlier that all women deserve to be treated as princesses. An enthusiastic 5 star read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Wife: Love, War, Faith, and Renewal; Author: Visit Amazon's Taya Kyle Page; Review: I'm a writer. A wife. A police officer. My words fail me at this moment. Taya Kyle is a heroine for the ages for how she led her family through tragedy and then shared her story with the multitudes. It's a hard read so I know it was difficult to write. I'd never met Chris Kyle but I've respected him. I've never met Taya but I, like any other reader, feel a type of kinship with her. She showed the world the pitfalls in her marriage in such a way that we could analyze our own. She shared her mistakes so that we could avoid making them in our lives. She wasn't afraid to tell us about her pettiness or her over reactions to small things. She showed us that through all of these things- love can prevail. I am thankful. I'm sure that the comparison has been made before but I must make it again. Taya Kyle has become our generation's "Jackie Kennedy." Through grief and loss she has stood tall. She has showed us how to grieve. She shared with us exactly who we all lost that February day. She wasn't stingy with him either. She's ensured that America understands more than the American Sniper. We understand more than the hero. She allowed us to know the man through her memories. This book is so eloquently written and so perfectly reflected that I actually cried. This is a foreign emotion to me. It happens very rarely but I shared the pain of a widow and a little boy and a little girl. I learned of the love, the laughter, the tears and the smiles of the Kyle family in a way that could never have been told with Taya. I cannot express how appreciative I am for being allowed to share these memories. To say that this is a "must read" is simply not enough. In these times when the political climate is frightening, the support for our service men and women is waning and despair seems to waft on the breeze, this book shows how it's all worth it. Taya Kyle has illustrated in real life how true Tony Arata's words were in the song, The Dance. "I could have missed the pain but I'd have had to miss..... the dance." Taya is not simply a widow. She's not simply a mother. She's not simply a heroine for our times. She is exactly like me. An American Wife.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twice a Texas Bride (Bachelors of Battle Creek); Author: Visit Amazon's Linda Broday Page; Review: I'm not a big fan of romances and never have been but Broday's current series and newest book, Twice a Texas Bride, was a very enjoyable read. Authentic Texas descriptions and true to life villains bring an eternal love to life. A sworn bachelor, Rand Sinclair, finds his heart large enough not only to hold the love of a wife, but her struggling nephew and the orphaned daughter of a family friend. True love and compassion for those who cannot defend themselves is apparent in this touching story. A highly recommended read as s the first in the series, A Texas Mail Order Bride.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Series); Author: Visit Amazon's M L Bullock Page; Review: This is book one of the trilogy and an intriguing read. A hauntingly beautiful historical about Mobile, Alabama and all of her antebellum secrets. Historian Carrie Jo is hired by Ashland Stuart, to restore the family antebellum mansion to it's former glory in the form of a museum. As she wades through the layers of dust she discovers that just because it's the past.... it doesn't mean it's ceased to breathe. Formal records bring beautiful and shy Calpurnia Cottonwood to life in our century and her pain wafts through the house anew. Her sly cousin, Isla, leaves a trail of death and tears in her wake as she tries to take Calpurnia's fortune and her love, Captain David Garret, and all she holds dear. The ending certainly sends the reader punching the "one click" button to see what's next.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moonlight Falls on Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Series) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's M L Bullock Page; Review: Book Two of this ghostly tale weaves a spell of unrest throughout the pages while giving an in depth look at "dream catcher" and historian Carrie Jo and every fiber of her web of dreams. Ashland is presented in his full dimensions and his past begins to thread with that of the antebellum home of his childhood. You can throw in the sinister spirit of the manipulative Isla and the fortune she covets even in death to take the suspense to the limit. The beautifully written illustrations of the Moonlight Garden are truly inspired. They put the reader in that moment in time as well as the physical location. Bullock truly has a gift. The ending again sent me to hurriedly "one-click" book three.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shadows Stir at Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Series) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's M L Bullock Page; Review: In Book three of this trilogy, Bullock keeps the reader on the edge of their seats as present life begins to overlap the unrest of the past. Carrie Jo finds herself falling in love with the dashing Ashland Stuart, even as she tries to piece together the puzzle of his ancestors. The ghosts remain in the house while true insanity in the form of had been friend, Mia. Convinced that she is owed everything by Carrie Jo, Mia has been driven by madness but how far will she go? You must read to find out! Bullock continues with her illustrations of time and place that weave believability into all these "impossible" events. The reader feels the cool night air at Seven Sisters and feels the sun set beneath the horizon. The historical pieces are very well researched and are consistent throughout all three books. From the actions of the saves to the method of bathing, Bullock is spot on. The clothing is true to the times as well. I particularly enjoyed the bits of antebellum law in regards to young and unmarried women. It's all to easy for my generation to forget that suffragists fought for the rights we have today. These books are true works of art and I know I will read them again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tyburn (The Southwark Saga) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Jessica Cale Page; Review: Tyburn is a delightfully dark historical romance with unexpected twists. Cale is historically accurate in every detail from the dress of the common footpad to the elegance of a Lord down to the dates and times. In a rare glimpse of reality, we are taken on a journey with an accidental prostitute and a highway with crime his only option to fill his ever growling belly. Despite their personal travails, both of them manage to retain their humanity enough to care for and help others in their time of need. The relationship between the two of them in nothing short of inspiring. The hope they maintain for humanity is a lesson that many today should learn. This is a highly recommended read in my humble opinion. Cale teaches you that there was depth to the lower cast as well as the upper crust of society. In addition she teaches you that sometimes criminals are merely surviving in the only way they can. Most of all, she teaches you that love knows no boundaries. Period. I'll be reading book two next and anxiously await book three.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Virtue's Lady (The Southwark Saga) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Jessica Cale Page; Review: Cale has delivered the historical steam in full force again in Virtue's Lady! Continuing the Southwark Saga with Lord Somerton's half brother, Mark and his late chapter liaison with Lady Jane. Creating a steel spined female character of noble blood, Cale once again takes the reader into 1600's London to the "other side of the bridge." Though Mark denies her believing that he's not good enough for her, Jane is determined to stay. Offered a helping hand by Lady Somerton, she demands to be allowed to stay on in Southwark and live a life of freedom even though it means hard work and hardship. Cale does a wonderful job of detailing the hard work required and the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day. Jane quickly climbs the ladder of the reader's esteem by remaining steadfast in her love for Mark and her desire NOT to return home to a controlling father. A fantastic follow up to Tyburn- Book One in the Southwark Saga. This series is highly recommended for readers who love a little rough romance and accurate historical information. An easy 5 star read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Knights of the Square Table; Author: Visit Amazon's Teri Kanefield Page; Review: This is a delightfully inventive book with something in it for all ages! A group of teenage chess players find themselves marooned on quasi frozen island and in charge of a bunch of whiny, selfish, and generally useless adults. Still, they manage to keep every one alive, fed, and relatively unscathed with their unorthadox approach to the stranded life. These kids put all of their chess knowledge to work in real life and it works! Continuing on, the face a disaster of global proportions and manage to whip that one too! Highly recommended read for anyone who appreciates a unique and well thought out story line. It truly is unlike any other YA book I've read. Bravo, Kanefield!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bone Labyrinth: A Sigma Force Novel (Sigma Force Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's James Rollins Page; Review: I have to say, quite simply that Rollins has done it again. While I am prepared for Rollins' suspenseful and action packed blend of religion and science, I wasn't prepared for this one. I had a vague idea about what The Bone Labyrinth promised but it dealt with so much more than that. Several times I almost put the book down and walked away. It had nothing to do with the quality of writing or the research it contained. My discomfort was centered around Baako, a scientifically engineered gorilla with a keen understanding of life and all that it encompasses. Rollins did an outstanding job of giving that little guy a soul. It helped that he paired "tough as nails Kowalski" with him and created the image of a father. Later events involving those two had the ability to tear my heart out. That being said, I respect Rollins for it. He's not known for discussing a political agenda or for pushing his ideas off on his reader but he doesn't back down either. His love of animals bleeds through this book. Bleeds. He used this book to educate readers on the foul treatment of animals in the Beijing Zoo as well as the horrors that lurk in our own backyards regarding animals for test subjects. It's sickening and he didn't back off of that fact at all. Until someone takes a horrible situation like that and puts it in front of a person with their morning cornflakes, many refuse to care. I just had my cornflakes with a side of "The world sucks, lady. Now what are YOU going to do about it?" It made me think. I give this work a solid five stars for writing style, research, morality, and soul searching. When I pre-ordered this book I had no idea that I'd be a different person when I closed the back cover but I am. A better and more enlightened person. This book will show you the deepest secrets of China, expose the most amazing wonders of subterranean Ecuador, allow you to view Atlantis and learn all about Roman Catholic Croatia without ever leaving your chair. It will educate you on prehistoric man and Catholic priests with a knack for building automatons in a single chapter. It truly has everything. Go buy it. Now. Why are you still reading, soldier? I gave you an order. You won't regret it. I do have a message for Mr. Rollins. I don't like you very much right now. You made my face leak over a gorilla. It leaked a lot. That's no easy feat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Free to Be Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Story of Women and Law; Author: Visit Amazon's Teri Kanefield Page; Review: Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of the foremost experts and pioneers of women's rights. Kanefield tells her story with beautifully researched precision. Beginning with Ginsburg as a quiet and thoughtful child, Kanefield describes her evolution into an independent and self sustaining young lawyer, wife and mother. The facts of whether Ginsburg was a "liberal" or "conservative" are moot points on this journey through women's rights and one woman's determination to realize them for every American female. Kanefield does an incredible job of explaining each battle that Ginsburg had to fight in her journey to becoming the second woman Supreme Court Justice. The reader gets an in depth understanding on not only why the laws were written as they were, but why they needed to be changed and how that goal was achieved. Many nonfiction books are considered "dry" and "teachy." That is not the case with this one. Not only does Kanefield humanize Ginsberg and make her accessible to us, she humanizes the struggle as well. This book is highly recommended to everyone interested not only in women's rights but in the legal system as a whole. Very well researched and written.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nudes: A Hollywood Romance; Author: Visit Amazon's Sarah Robinson Page; Review: Many times when one picks up a book, they have some idea of what they expect. Is it explicit sex? A moral? Terror? Nudes was wholly unexpected. Not only does Robinson deliver with steamy sex scenes and a totally realistic relationship dynamic but she makes readers question our humanity. As a national speaker of domestic violence and sexual assault I am obviously a champion of women's rights and educating the masses about the ignorance that still exists. I'm affiliated with many charities to this end and my sister is a UN Women's Advocate. To say that the issue in this book spoke to my heart is an understatement. Addressing the issue of nude photos and a celebrities right to privacy was daring and long overdue. Not only was this book beautifully written, well researched and heartfelt in its presentation but it was an amazing story of love and what some will do to destroy it. The main characters are three dimensional and easy to connect with. In fact, some of the issues struck a personal cord with me and a relationship I am currently in. In other words, the characters are human. The scenarios are real. Robinson has outdone herself and delivered an incredible piece of work!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Plain Jane: Brunettes Beware; Author: C. McCray; Review: On all seriousness, this is probably the best serial killer novel that I have read. West has created complex characters, very human relationships and a plot line that is rivaled by no others. I'm a police officer and while not a homicide detective,I am very good at putting the pieces together. West kept me guessing until the very end. I compare the level of story telling only to William Diehl's "Primal Fear" series. No one else can throw me off of my game like West did with this book. The fact that she's an Indie author is positively incredible. I look forward to many more mysteries from her. Keep writing, lady! You have a gift.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Malevolent: (Cases of Lieutenant Kane Series Book 1) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's E.H. Reinhard Page; Review: I actually have fellow officers like Kane. Very real and beyond human. The story line is impressive in it's ability to be true. Highly recommended.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Seconds To Rush (Piper Anderson Legacy Mystery) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Danielle Stewart Page; Review: As a police officer, I felt a very real connection to the main characters of Reid and Tara. Many times, it's hard to truly believe a "suspect" or a "client" even when our gut is telling us that they are being truthful. Too many times in the field, I find myself having the knee jerk reactions that Reid expressed in regards to Tara's fantastic claims. I only hope that I remain sincere enough to continue to look and not leave it to the lawyers. Human characters involved in real relationships and suffering from real world problems give this book the tang of truth. It's highly recommended and a book that I truly needed to read at this point in my career.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Queen of the Dragons: Book Three of the Dragon-Born Trilogy (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's K.N. Lee Page; Review: Lee delivers yet again with a mystical adventure worthy of her talents, Incredibly detailed descriptions make the reader believe in the Withrae. Highly recommended.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Super Value Dog Pet Beds by Majestic Pet; Brand: Majestic Pet; Review: My chihuahua loves this bed! She really does! That is all I need to know to know it was a great worthwhile purchase :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zanies Plush Bungee Geckos Dog Toy; Brand: Zanies; Review: Such a cute toy! My Yorkies love it. It squeaks and it is long enough where they can tug and not be on top of one another. It is a hit! buy it :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zack & Zoey Basic Hoodie for Dogs; Brand: Zack & Zoey; Review: This hoodie looks so cute on my 4 pound Yorkie. She looks so cute in it! She gets cold in the winter sometimes so i use this one around the house and when she is cold she doesn't mind wearing it....; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: goDog Fuzzy Wuzzy Sheep with Chew Guard Technology Tough Plush Dog Toys; Brand: goDog; Review: I think this toy is so cute that I almost didn't want to give it to my dogs because i didn't want them to ruin it! But then I had to remember that I bought it for them so of course I gave it to them! Very nicely made and since I have two teacup Yorkies I am sure it will hold up for a long time...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Outward Hound Squeaker Matz Dog Toy; Brand: Outward Hound; Review: I love this toy. Not only is he cute but he is squeaky allover and he is long enough for both of my dogs to play with at once. It is not so important that i like him but that they do and they do!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Outward Hound Squeaker Matz Dog Toy; Brand: Outward Hound; Review: I love this toy. Not only is he cute but he is squeaky allover and he is long enough for both of my dogs to play with at once. It is not so important that i like him but that they do and they do!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Outward Hound Squeaker Matz Dog Toy; Brand: Outward Hound; Review: I love this toy. Not only is he cute but he is squeaky allover and he is long enough for both of my dogs to play with at once. It is not so important that i like him but that they do and they do!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Animal Planet Peacock Dog Costume, Multicolor; Brand: Animal Planet; Review: great costume nicely made!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: California Costumes Animal Planet Lion Dog Costume-; Brand: California Costumes; Review: wonderful!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rubies Costume Classic Movie Monsters Collection Pet Costume; Brand: Rubie's; Review: so freaking adorable i just love it!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zack & Zoey Octo-Hound Dog Costume, Purple Octopus; Brand: Zack & Zoey; Review: so nicely made and totally adorable!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: by Caldwell's Pet Supply Co.; Brand: Caldwell's Pet Supply Co.; Review: fantastic item i love it for me! I have two sets of these as i have 7 dogs and they work great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Treats; Brand: Zuke's; Review: Very Good. Puppy loves them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Greenies Original Regular Size Dental Dog Treats; Brand: Greenies; Review: Very good product but you still have to brush doesn't get rid of everything.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer Stain and Residue Eliminator; Brand: Nature's Miracle; Review: great scent and really works very well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Treats; Brand: Zuke's; Review: Puppy devours!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor and Outdoor Home for Pets; Brand: Petnation; Review: My pup loves his den. Keeps good amount of light out. he loves it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pet Qwerks Animal Sounds Babble Ball Interactive Dog Toy, Makes Barnyard & Jungle Sounds When Touched; Brand: Pet Qwerks; Review: LOL my pup LOVES this toy. He plays w/ it all day. Some times he tires himself out so much that he lays down with it... rests... and gets back at it lol... great product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SynergyLabs Shed-X Dermaplex Liquid Daily Supplement for Dogs - 100% Natural; Brand: Shed-X; Review: I have only used for 3 weeks but I have to say I see marked improvement in my corgi's shedding. I would say in these 3 weeks I have seen about 40% less hair. I have purchased a 3 month supply because nothing is a miracle and you have to give items time to work. Sooo crossing my fingers in 90 days I will see even less shedding. I would recommend this product amd I will update my review at the 90 day mark. Worth getting on sale. ***** Update****** I have been using for 4 months now I see way less shedding. Atleast 80% less. Really worth it but you have to use it for awhile.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pedigree Dentastix Dental Treats Dogs - Fresh Mint Flavor; Brand: Pedigree; Review: My dogs breathe smells better that alone is a reason to buy lol. My corgi loves the dental treat. Good dental chew.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Cedric the Entertainer Presents (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When Worlds Collide (1951); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beyond the Sea (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gattaca (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chappelle's Show: Season 1 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Andromeda Strain (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet #*%$#@!! Uncensored (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nora's Hair Salon (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Which Way is Up? (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ring Two (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sahara (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Layer Cake (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fat Albert's Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Collection (1972); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kung Fu Hustle (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: After the Sunset (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Piece of the Action (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oldboy (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mack (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Marksman (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Man (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crash (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brothers (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with Wikipedia articles as follows:
Title: Hat 2 da Back; Description: single
Title: What About Your Friends; Description: single
Title: I Bet; Description: song by TLC
Title: Get It Up; Description: song by The Time
Title: Sleigh Ride; Description: a winter song
Title: My Life; Description: TLC song
Title: Turntable; Description: TLC song
Title: Playlist: The Very Best of TLC; Description: 2009 compilation album by TLC
Title: Now and Forever: The Hits; Description: album
Title: Damaged; Description: 2003 single by TLC
Title: Dear Lie; Description: 1999 single by TLC | wikirec |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: White Dog Cafe - Wayne; City: Wayne, PA; Review: First time here, and it was amazing! Everything from the food, to the drinks, to the atmosphere and the service. The staff was extremely professional yet down to earth and the food was well prepared without being over the top. Their sangria is only $4 during brunch which made it that much better :) Would love to try the other locations!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sara's A-List Cleaners; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Went into Sara's for the first time last week with quite a large dry cleaning order including pieces like white silk, faux leather, and several sweaters. She assured me that some pieces would be more difficult to clean than others and that one stain on a white sweater may not even come out after multiple cleanings. Not only did Sara's get every single stain out when I went to go pick up my order this week, but her prices were so reasonable I couldn't believe it. Will definitely be visiting again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pumpkin; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Wanted to try Pumpkin after seeing it on the 50 best restaurants list for 2015 in Philadelphia, and it surely did not disappoint. The service was great, the food was delicious and different without being too over- the- top. The menu wasn't too big, but it could accommodate anyone. I had the striped bass since it mentioned being made with pistachios, which I'm a fan of. Plus it had some type of yogurt sauce. It was delicious. Everything down to the French- pressed coffee was great. Loved it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Parc; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Just love everything about this place. The atmosphere is awesome without being too stuffy and the food is great. The escargot is to die for!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cafe Blue Moose; City: New Hope, PA; Review: Quirky, fun little place! It was packed on a sunny, Sunday afternoon for brunch so I knew it had to be good. A popular brunch spot doesn't make sense to me for it to be BYOB.. I'd rather be served a mimosa but other than that my breakfast burrito and French toast were awesome.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn - the Last Great Battle of the American West; Author: James Donovan; Review: Fantastic book! Love the details that are typically omitted from other accounts. Fantastic!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Splendid Savage: The Restless Life of Frederick Russell Burnham; Author: Visit Amazon's Steve Kemper Page; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night Photography and Light Painting: Finding Your Way in the Dark; Author: Visit Amazon's Lance Keimig Page; Review: Nice book but I hope the publisher didn't have to pay the printer's full price for inverting the index of the book although I had to pay full price and suffer virtigo as well!!!! Come on Focal Press, get your act together.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar(TM) Cookbook; Author: Peter H. Gott; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar(TM) Diet; Author: Peter H. Gott; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Out on Foot: Nightly Patrols and Ghostly Tales of a U.S. Border Patrol Agent; Author: Visit Amazon's Rocky Elmore Page; Review: "UFO sighting that was documented with the most up-to-date technology.... but I can't tell you about it." Really! I could write a book and make assertions just as easily if I could add "but I can't tell you about it".; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Carving Patterns by Frank C. Russell: From the Stonegate Woodcarving School (Schiffer Book for Carvers); Author: Visit Amazon's Frank C Russell Page; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: How to Carve a Woodspirit in a Hiking Stick; Author: Skylar Johnson; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: David Busch's Compact Field Guide for the Nikon D7100 (David Busch's Digital Photography Guides); Author: Visit Amazon's David D. Busch Page; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost Treasures of American History; Author: Visit Amazon's W.C. Jameson Page; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Custer Survivor: The End of a Myth, the Beginning of a Legend; Author: John Koster; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Collier's Guide to Night Photography in the Great Outdoors; Author: Visit Amazon's Grant Collier Page; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dakotas Off the Beaten Path: A Guide to Unique Places, Ninth Edition (Off the Beaten Path Series); Author: Mcclintick; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Custer's Chief of Scouts: The Reminiscences of Charles A. Varnum; Author: Charles A. Varnum; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Custer in '76: Walter Camp's Notes on the Custer Fight; Author: Walter Camp; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Custer: Cavalier in Buckskin; Author: Robert M. Utley; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Bighorn Remembered: The Untold Indian Story of Custer's Last Stand; Author: Visit Amazon's Herman J. Viola Page; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Deadliest Indian War in the West: The Snake Conflict, 1864-1868; Author: Visit Amazon's Gregory Michno Page; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Encyclopedia of Indian Wars: Western Battles and Skirmishes, 1850 - 1890; Author: Gregory F. Michno; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forgotten Fights: Little-known Raids and Skirmishes on the Frontier, 1823 to 1890; Author: Gregory F. Michno; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Buffalo Bill, Boozers, Brothels, and Bare-Knuckle Brawlers: An Englishman's Journal of Adventure in America; Author: Visit Amazon's Kellen Cutsforth Page; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Capturing Jack The Ripper: In the Boots of a Bobby in Victorian London; Author: Neil R. A. Bell; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Silver Madonna and Other Tales of America's Greatest Lost Treasures; Author: Visit Amazon's W.C. Jameson Page; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quick Snap Guide to Digital SLR Photography: An Instant Start-Up Manual for New dSLR Owners; Author: Visit Amazon's David D. Busch Page; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thieves' Road: The Black Hills Betrayal and Custer's Path to Little Bighorn; Author: Terry Mort; Review: Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Blood And Smoke; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: You get more enjoyment from this if hearing Stephen King talking is a novelty for you. It is for me, but just to rate the stories and delivery itself I give it a three altogether. The first two stories seemed short to me and they were both really entertaining and if I could just rate them I'd give them a four or five. The last one I didn't think was all that great, it probably has something to do with the fact that I didn't care what happened to that guy. However the first two are no doubt just as good on paper as they are being read- I think that's part of what made them so good. It starts out with a mad worker at a resturant going crazy during a meeting between the main character and his wife and two divorice lawyers. definetely a fun story. Like a Richard Bachman story, no remorse and fairly gross. The second one may be scary if listened to in the dark... It is about a man who writes books about ghosts and actually runs into a freakishly haunted room and barely lives to tell about it. Another good one. The third one is about some sort of ... Okay I don't even remember that one very well- It took me two or three times to sit down and listen to that last one and I forgot about it. What can I say. I am a King fan but that one just didn't stick with me. I guess even if you're not a fan you'll probably like atleast the first two. Hope that helps- if you can I suggest that you download it unless of course you are a collector.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile: Coffey's Hands; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: If you aren't a big King fan and haven't read much of his work, know that this might be his best story. It's very well written and it made possibly the best movie from his work. This is a fantastic story and unlike some of King's work even though this is over 500 pages, it is not even slightly drawn out. It is pretty much a perfect length to tell the story. Anybody would find this a good story if they like to read. As for the movie version it stays almost exactly to the book and that's worth buying too. You can't go wrong with this one except maybe if you are faint of heart, and then maybe you should stay away- it and the movie get fairly graphic and there is an element of vulgarity to it, and that you may not like.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cycle of the Werewolf; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: Hey, sure this is a good story. But unless you are a collector, I really wouldn't bother at all with the hardcover, it's not worth it. It is unique in the way it works but you know, it is not a GREAT story. And it's not really over a hundred pages of words, there's ALOT of illustration. Great pictures and a really good story but, there's not much of it and it's not as good as a King standard. I'd check out the local library first if I were you, but please take my advice and try to find a way to read it first. Keep in mind that the movie that was made of this, has a whole lot more story to it and is far from the short simple story in this book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gerald's Game; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: This is a duty book...Stop laughing. What I mean is that it is a fine book with fine writing and talks about extremely serious subjects in our world. To me I call this kind of thing a duty book/movie/show/artical etc. Like it's my duty to check out some of the common most negative things going on. Ever not enjoy the news, but watch it anyway? Ever watch a family law episode that disgusted you but you still felt urged to watch? That's what I'm talking about. And this book is seriously articulate in describing one of the most common horrors in the world today- rape and child molestation. I won't lie- you will not enjoy this book if you are a normal, sane human being. However it was still a great story and I didn't find it boring at all. It wasn't all climactic I'll grant you, but it was extremely interesting. The monster supposedly made of shadows, the common couple that loses the lust in their love life, what happens to people who were abused as children, dysfunctional families, freak accidents during intense moments, trusting intuition though you could be wrong, it's all in here. No doubt this probably wasn't really fun or exciting for SK to write mostly, but a duty to obey the issues and stories that popped into his mind. Also there are some big surprises here. There may have been a hole or two in the story, but in a nasty and wicked way, this is still a great piece of quality work from Stephen King. But once again- very interesting brain food- not enjoyable or entertaining though, nothing sugary here. Hope that helped.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Insomnia; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: First off, either you will love it and possibly read it again or hate it and lose interest. Personally I loved it within a few pages. I give it a 4 by itself and if you mix it in with the tied in story line of other King books than it's a five. But either way, you have an epic story [Don't worry I won't repeat what everybody else already typed in]- loveable characters and mysterious characters, and an ending that gives some closure but still leaves you almost missing the characters when you finish the book. [I missed them a little bit myself anyway.] The story has a political element that runs through the entire book. Politically it's about abortion. Then there is a spiritual element about life after death and so on. SK talks about little men on a different level with names borrowed from greek mythology like Atropos, And how they deal with life and death. I don't want to give away too much. The two main characters are Ralph and his neighbor with whom he is quite fond of. It's kind of a cute chemistry he brings about with these two senior citizen friends. Then there is a typical Mr. nice guy named Ed, who starts going insane and becomes a wifebeater seemingly out of the blue, and the way King works this story line in is just a huge hook. It really causes the interest in the story and the charisma of Ralph to work. The book is fascinating and I'm not the biggest reader, so believe me when I say that it probably won't seem nearly as long as it really is. SK has different kinds of books- occasionally there's a so-so book like cycle of the werewolf which is a good story but not really filling for a King book. Then there's books where he has a great story and writes it in a good way, and sometimes he has a good story that he writes in a great way. I think this is one of the occasions where he has a great story and writes it in a great way. It makes you think and yet it's very entertaining at the same time. I think anybody that can get slightly interested in it, will eventually like it alot. Hope that helped.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Needful Things; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: I loved this book straight through to the end, not through the end though. If you are not a King fan than I must agree that this is not the book for you. This is perhaps the only truly ridiculous ending King has had. Of course he has had so-so endings and fantastic over the tops ones and the occasional ending that plays off of religion which isn't quite a bad thing really. However this ending had me feeling really cheated for days, I liked the first part of the book so much and took the time to read it and then there's this...this... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! Anyway if you are a fan I will say that the characters are all great and that if you like long engrossing stories with alot going on, this is 96 percent a fantastic book! If that wasn't very convincing, excuse me I am still quite bitter. So if this doesn't turn you against the book exactly then keep in mind that I did give it a 4 for the first 96 percent and I meant it. But also keep in mind that I told you -counting the end- this is his worst possible book that I know of. A way better book is The GreenMile and a way more rewarding long read is The Dark Tower series. Hope that helped, it really isn't worth describing the rest but here it is real quick. Smart grief-stricken cop from big city in a small town. Nice older Gentleman who may be Satan. Small time drug dealer. Corrupt counselman with pre-existing mental problems. Young woman with secrets and arthritis. Religious conflict. Town war. The selling of your soul for material posession. Ridiculous unrewarding ending. Constant Great narration [even through the ridiculous ending ]. Distinct segragation of a small town but upkeep of pop culture. Many ignorant people driven to violence, stupidity, and weakness, paranoia, jealousy and so on. Greed, righteousness, and only 1 truly sane [but still fighting through internal conflict] and sober man, who is the LAW. Cool story, horrible ending. You are all dismissed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Little House Reader, A (Little House Books); Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder; Review: These are labeled as children's books and children may like or love them. Though in my experience, adults seem to like and appreciate them much more. These are good stories, and they are fascinating. The writing is simple yet articulate and very easy to picture, so they ARE great children's books. All you ever wanted to know about the life of that time period is right here. Okay it's true that these books and the television show that came from it is as much a moral lesson for children as a compelling group of stories. It's almost like a lesson in respect and courage and family in every chapter of the series, kind of like the show. Though this first book is just a starter, it's mostly about the process of day to day life. I can say be careful to parents that want to read this to children not old enough to read this themselves though. If you are at all cautious of or worried about telling your younger children of certain practices like curing meat or something like that for whatever reason, then this may not be a book to buy. I suggest that if you have any reservations about how your children would react to hearing things like how Laura and Mary used an air filled and tied up pig bladder as a ball [By far the most explicit thing in the book and only mentioned for a paragraph or two] then maybe you should get this book from the library and proof read it first. Remember though this is mostly a nice series it is a dose of reality from a tough time in American history where each person or family had to make what they had and survive off the land if they were in the more unsettled territories. If you do like this book for yourself and or your children, or enjoy the show then you will probably like all the other books as well. They all pretty much come to the same thing - survival, family, respect, learning to get along with others, and hardwork. In the books to follow, the troubles and every day life can be very surprising, and becomes more about experiences then the process of many daily practices that are in this first book. I personally never watched the show through my childhood out of ill will for anything that reminded me of a hokey television way to teach me something, like alot kids do. I dismissed the show itself as a serious and more lecturing version of the Brady bunch [ nothing against that show, just not my cup of tea.] This is not the Brady Bunch though. The show wasn't the Brady Bunch and neither is the book. Though this is just a woman's memories of being a little girl in a good family, there are some serious life experiences here that anybody can relate to now. The relations between whites and blacks and the American Indians are very clear in the series to follow. It may come across; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw; Author: Visit Amazon's Patrick F. McManus Page; Review: If you've read anything by Pat and laughed and would like a book or another book, trust me when I say that you'll like this. It's just more of the same kind of thing, Rancid and Crazy Eddie and Pat running around scaring his friend's Grandma. You can't read it or rememeber it without laughing or smiling, unless you're dead in which case you have no business having the nerve of reading or remembering anything. Trust me, there's nobody better than Pat out of all the humorist authors. Even Daniel Steele. You'll love it if you love anything he's done.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good Samaritan Strikes Again; Author: Patrick F Mcmanus; Review: tasteful, and completely obnoxious. Out of the four books of his that I have read [ The night the bear ate goombaw, they shoot canoes... Fine and pleasant... and this one] This is the funniest one in my opinion. If you liked any of his other books, You gotta like this one. They are all a collection of the same kind of stories, except his latest book. They are all short and simple and run along the same lines. Male stupidity, outdoor troubles, childhood memories of embarassment and goofy adventures. If you grew up in the country especially, you will probably slap your knee after every paragraph. Pat McManus is the Diabolical genius of humorous writing. This guy ruins me for anybody else who writes something with only the intention of being funny. And I don't mind at all. I'm willing to be spoiled by such great writing. Anybody who knows a troop of crazy eccentric characters from their own childhood or right now, will identify with crazy eddie muldoon and Melba Peachbottom. Yeah that's right, Melba.... Peach... Bottom. I'm sure he changes the names with names like that and His friends girlfriend Velveeta. The best part of his writing is letting him rope you in to actually believing a conversation or interaction and then realizing that you just even if only for a second bought into the most ridiculous thing, and he knew you would all along. Feeling stupid and flat out tricked is the funniest part of reading these books. Some of the people and thoughts, couldn't even be made up by THIS guy, so you have to believe some of it. And once you believe some of it, he's got you set up right where he wants you, IT'S GREAT. If you appreciate good humor and take things all in fun, or need a laugh after a horrifying camping trip, you should definetely buy this book or any other Pat book. You can just expect the same hilarious thing with most of the other ones, because they're all short funny stories. My cheeks hurt from smiling and my ''Funnnnnnnnnnyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!'' muscle hurts from laughing. Get it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Little House Books Set (Little House in the Big Woods / Farmer Boy; Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Ingalls Wilder Page; Review: These are labeled as children's books and children may like or love them. Though in my experience, adults seem to like and appreciate them much more. These are good stories, and they are fascinating. The writing is simple yet articulate and very easy to picture, so they ARE great children's books. All you ever wanted to know about the life of that time period is right here. Okay it's true that these books and the television show that came from it is as much a moral lesson for children as a compelling group of stories. It's almost like a lesson in respect and courage and family in every chapter of the series, kind of like the show. Though this first book is just a starter, it's mostly about the process of day to day life. I can say be careful to parents that want to read this to children not old enough to read this themselves though. If you are at all cautious of or worried about telling your younger children of certain practices like curing meat or something like that for whatever reason, then this may not be a book to buy. I suggest that if you have any reservations about how your children would react to hearing things like how Laura and Mary used an air filled and tied up pig bladder as a ball [By far the most explicit thing in the book and only mentioned for a paragraph or two] then maybe you should get this book from the library and proof read it first. Remember though this is mostly a nice series it is a dose of reality from a tough time in American history where each person or family had to make what they had and survive off the land if they were in the more unsettled territories. If you do like this book for yourself and or your children, or enjoy the show then you will probably like all the other books as well. They all pretty much come to the same thing - survival, family, respect, learning to get along with others, and hardwork. In the books to follow, the troubles and every day life can be very surprising, and becomes more about experiences then the process of many daily practices that are in this first book. I personally never watched the show through my childhood out of ill will for anything that reminded me of a hokey television way to teach me something, like alot kids do. I dismissed the show itself as a serious and more lecturing version of the Brady bunch [ nothing against that show, just not my cup of tea.] This is not the Brady Bunch though. The show wasn't the Brady Bunch and neither is the book. Though this is just a woman's memories of being a little girl in a good family, there are some serious life experiences here that anybody can relate to now. The relations between whites and blacks and the American Indians are very clear in the series to follow. It may come across; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little House On The Prairie; Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Ingalls Wilder Page; Review: In my opinion: This may be a children's book, but it's just as good if not better for adults. The writing is simple but not insulting. The story itself is captivating. The occurences between the settlers and the American Indians were really amazing. All through the eyes of a little girl. Laura Wilder had an amazing gift to tell stories and to make an accurate picture of the time she grew up in and of what she thought and felt as a girl. This is not like the show in many respects though. If you only want to read about the exact characters and stories from the show, this may surprise you. Mr. Edwards is not in here much and you won't see characters like Albert or Mr. Oleson in this book. As they live on the prairie, there is no school or store, only a few neighbors a few miles away. Also Indians which only actually show up now and then. Again it is a story about hard work and family sticking together. Superior to the first book in that you already know alot of the mundane [though very interesting]details of their daily life, and the characters. Now it is full of story. The interactions with wild life alone are astounding as taken for fact. They are not just the amusing tid bits from the first book, but quite dangerous and spellbinding ones. Fantastic book for anybody. The whole series is great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Promise,the; Author: Visit Amazon's Hal Lindsey Page; Review: Due to the fact that it doesn't even say how many pages there are or when it was released or give any editorial reviews at this time, it might not be. If this is however the book about Christ's return and the proof of his existence: This was a terribly boring book even though the subject was interesting to me. There is some information that you can connect with the bible if you're into combing through the bible for things that may or may not make sense to you or even make you care much even it does. It was interesting but didn't strike me as having alot of substance. It's like he's just throwing opinions out at random, then trying to find a way for any part of the bible to sound like it comes close. I didn't care for it at all, and I don't think it is worth buying.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Learn Italian (Italiano) the Fast and Fun Way/With Barron's Italian-English English-Italian Dictionary; Author: Visit Amazon's Marcel Danesi Page; Review: This is broken down really well for you and is basically part book- part workbook. There are plenty of activities to take part in to help you learn this language. However it doesn't get a five because it doesn't come with a tape, though 4 are available to go with it for over 30 dollars. Also, you only learn present and imperative tenses, which may have been more complicated to learn but it should be in there if you want to concern yourself with it. It is really informative and amusing and holds your attention. It does this by keeping the lessons quick and to the point with a little humor here and there. Remember that Learning Italian and learning Italian for sake of a quick bout of tourism ''just enough'' to get by... very different things. As for just the bout of tourism, this is more than enough to get you by and would work great. As for grasping the whole language, if you really feel you need to... you'd not only need the past tense and so on, but you'd definetely need alot of cassettes for example and the ability to read whole paragraphs with ease. This won't get you there, but it'll teach you the basic language.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Country & Blues Guitar for the Musically Hopeless; Author: Carol McComb; Review: This is a fully adequate way to learn the chords for beginners and a little bit of how it goes and the chords in some very popular songs. It is fairly easy to read and amusing enough to keep your attention. It would be alot less adequate without the tapes that I have to go with it. The only problem is the title. This is not an adequate blues starter. There are some old blues tunes here that show up now and then in blues, but it really is just the same chords as the rest of the songs. Just a nice book. Don't expect more than a beginners understanding of chords and a little finger picking if you can pick up on the more difficult style. To be honest though, I'd cut straight to Roy Clark. And if you want just the down home blues stuff, try Keith Wyatt's acoustic blues books.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Green Pharmacy: The Ultimate Compendium Of Natural Remedies From The World's Foremost Authority On Healing Herbs; Author: James A. Duke Ph.D.; Review: This is not only a greatly helpful reference book in alphabetical order but also designed for a fine front to back read for those who are really interested in a working general knowledge of herbs. Also some knowhow for planting these herbs and growing them yourself. This is written with just enough opinion and story to make it sound like a person actually teaching you and not a textbook read. As for the technical part there is a perfectly stated order of conditions A-Z and the summary of herbs and why they help with it. Here are the conditions discussed in order, just as stated in the table of contents : Hope this is helpful- ~A~ 1. Aging-2. Allergies-3. Altitude sickness-4. Alzheimer's disease-5. Amenorrhea-6. Angina-7.-Ankylosing Spondylitis-8. Arthritis-9. Asthma-10. Athlete's Foot ~B~ 1. Backache-2. Bad Breath-3. Baldness-4. Bladder Infection-5. Body Odor-6. Breast Enlargement-7. Breastfeeding Problems-8. Bronchitis-9. Bruises-10. Bunions-11. Burns-12. Bursistis and Tendinitis ~C~ 1. Cancer Prevention-2. Canker Sores-3. Cardiac Arrhythmia-4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-5. Cataracts-6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-7. Colds and Flu-8. Constipation-9. Corns-10. Coughing-11. Cuts,Scrapes and Abscesses ~D~ 1. Dandruff-2. Depression-3. Diabetes-4. Diarrhea-5. Diverticulitis-6. Dizziness-7. Dry Mouth ~E~ 1. Ear Ache-2. Emphysema-3. Endometriosis-4. Erection Problems ~F~ 1. Fainting-2. Fever-3. Flatulence-4. Fungal Infections ~G~ 1. Gallstones and Kidney Stones-2. Genital Herpes and Cold Sores-3. Gingivitis-4. Glaucoma-5. Gout-6. Graves'Disease[Hyperthyroidism] ~H~ 1. Hangover-2. Headache-3. Heartburn-4. Heart Disease-5. Hemorroids-6. HighBloodPressure-7. High Cholesterol-8. Hives-9. HIV Infection[AIDS]-10. Hypothyroidism ~I~ 1. Indigestion-2. Infertility-3. InflammatoryBowelDisease-4. InhibitedSexualDesireinWomen-5. InsectBitesandStings-6. Insomnia-7. Intermittent Claudication-8. Intestinal Parasites ~L~ 1. Laryngitis-2. Lice-3. Liver Problems-4. Lyme Disease ~M~ 1. Macular Degeneration-2. Menopause-3. Menstrual Cramps-4. Morning Sickness-5. Motion Sickness-6. Multiple Sclerosis ~N~ 1. Nausea ~O~ 1. Osteoporosis-2. Overweight ~P~ 1. Pain-2. Parkinson's Disease-3. Pneumonia-4. Poison Ivy,Oak,Sumac-5. Pregnany and Delivery-6. Premenstrual Syndrome-7. Prostate Enlargement-8. Psoriasis ~R~ 1. Raynaud's Disease ~S~ 1. Scabies-2. Sciatica-3. Shingles-4. Sinusitis-5. Skin Problems-6. Smoking-7. Sores-8. Sore Throat-9. Sties-10.-Stroke-11. Sunburn-12. Swelling ~T~ 1. Tinnitus-2. Tonsillitis-3. Toothache-4. Tooth Decay-5. Tuberculosis ~U~ 1. Ulcers ~V~ 1. Vaginitis-2. VaricoseVeins-3. ViralInfections ~W~ 1. Warts-2. Worms-3. Wrinkles ~y~ 1. Yeast Infections; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Into the Twilight, Endlessly Grousing; Author: Patrick F. Mcmanus; Review: I rareley laugh out loud when I read. While reading this I laughed so hard I teared, snorted, screamed and possibly had a brief out of body experience. The first book of Pat's I read made me laugh. Every time I read a new book or reread an old one I just thought it got funnier and funnier. I can't wait to review them all. The more you understand how he writes the funnier it gets. To some of the folks I know, I can't even mention his name for fear that they will explode with laughter. This book talks about the terrible crime wave which left a whole town with ...news. Also discussed are topics such as Beards, Laziness, Pipes, secret junk food clubs, fishing, life-saving techniques and imagining you're eating roast beef. Sure if you hunt and or fish or camp-it would help you laugh at these stories, however my own grandmother thinks he's hilarious and does none of these. You can't go wrong either way. Even if you have never killed a poor defenseless Avid! Ha! You've got to laugh. If you like trouble, then buy this book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stevie Ray: Soul to Soul; Author: Visit Amazon's Keri Leigh Page; Review: This has some dazzling reviews of untaped concerts from SRV and DT. Also it has lots of information on Stevie Ray's life with other bands, Jimmie Vaughan, girlfriends, parents etc. Keri Leigh was a friend of SRV's and his chosen biographer. Hower this book does have big problems. The quality of the literal material like the binding of the book has almost completely fallen apart since December of 2000. I only read it once! Also, there is no direct interviews of any of the 4 members that past through Dt. Not Tommy, Chris, Jackie Newhouse or Reese. And no interviews from Keri of Jimmie Vaughan either. Only quotes from other publications, no real stories. That seemed alot less personal and to add to it, Keri Leigh his ''friend'' really didn't have any anecdotes of her own of Stevie Ray to tell. I loved the book in general though, and actually shed tears a few times, however was surprised in many of the things I just mentioned. Also, there were a massive amount of typos through here that just don't show up in professional books usually. There were great sections on the Vaughan brother rivalry and Srv and Bonnie Rait and Buddy Guy though. There were definetely some mysterious happenings with Stevie and the last few months of his life. Many horrifying coincidences. There was plenty talk of Stevie's amps and strings and so forth that should be interesting to any electric guitar player. That was a redeeming quality not to be overlooked. There were some odd choices in pictures here, but 80 percent of them were worthy of making into posters, that's how good they are. Another good reason to get the book. You get a real sense of Stevie's feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability, as Keri quotes him talking about his idols and his manner towards them. I really did expect far more rhetoric about Albert King who really did have more respect than King Fans might be able to imagine. Albert didn't give much credit to more than a few bluesman, [particularly guitarists] but as he said on the In Session album and Tv show- something like this anyway- '' Lots a guitar players out here. They play loud and they play fast-don't concentrate on no soul... But you Got 'em both....You pretty good.'' And so on. But only a few lines of Albert show up here. That was surprising. All in all, if you're a fan you shouldn't be dissappointed with what is there, and should get lots of enjoyment out of it too. However if you only want one book about Stevie, remember that this one does have some faults though lots of good reading. Also There is quite a large portion of the pages devoted to keeping you up with the Jimmie Vaughan, The Thunderbirds, and many Austin players to grow up with SRV and their intertwining timelines.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Last Time: A Psychic Medium Speaks to Those We Have Loved and Lost; Author: Visit Amazon's John Edward Page; Review: ...I don't know, but it's a very entertaining and interesting book just the same. I don't generally buy into the whole spiritualist guru-psychic medium thing. It generally looks pretty fake and ridiculous to me. This guy caught my eye though. Nothing mystical looking or sounding about him. Just an average Joe. No big colorful robes or claims of gypsy heritage. I watched his show for a few months and though didn't become a definite believer I realized that either he was legitimate or running a massive and elaborate hoax that might be more unlikely than his psychic claims. So I wasn't too skeptical when I picked up the book. You can't go wrong if you are a fan of the show and find it at all captivating. The stories are the most interesting of his experiences since about age 15. Nothing vague like '' Okay did he eat lots of raisins? Okay he's pulling back...Does anybody have a Pumpkin farmer that's passed?'' It's the most engaging, powerful examples of his career. Also kind of a short autobiography, discussing his planned career in health care, Mother's death, and his early 'career' as a psychic before that. I think that even if you are a skeptic, if you are just interested, it really is an engaging book and a great read. It is well written, easy to follow and good even if you want to think of it as a story book. I highly recommend it, it was one of my most enjoyable reads.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bear in the Attic; Author: Visit Amazon's Patrick F. McManus Page; Review: Okay first off, Ilove McManus' books and think he is great. Secondly-This is a funny and interesting book. Though I have to say that this does not compare to previous books. It is less focused and in a different style. I got this for my father on Fathers' day. I picked it up to check it out too and we both didn't say anything like normal, bringing up funny things from the book and whatnot. This time after a while I brought up that it was different and he said he sure noticed. He said it was like it wasn't even him writing it. This isn't one of those laugh out loud during every page or every other page, keep smiling through the whole book things. This is sort of hard for me to read actually. I think Pat would be best off to go back to the format he made. This doesn't have any rythm to it when you read it, and Pat's normal books pretty much go by quick and have this great pace to them that makes them so enjoyable. Its like it reads itself normally. But not here, here you have to do the reading. I give it a 3 compared to other books. But as a McManus effort it is more like a 1. Though all his other books may have spoiled me on different styles of humor writing-Because they were so perfectly written. I suggest any of Pat's other books first, but if you are starved for more of Rancid and the gang I guess it is a decent book, but just be warned that this is changed around and I wouldn't shell out the hardback money twice either.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Talisman; Author: Stephen; Straub, Peter King; Review: My idea of a great story. Real Adventure like I said. This feels more like a King Book than A Straub and I agree with a reviewer from before that it seems like you can tell who is who pretty well. Though if you did not know either author maybe it might seem seamless. That isn't a terrible thing in and of itself though. That said, This book is only enhanced by its sequel BlackHouse. If you can get through the first fifty pages and some oddities the next book is outstanding too I think. This one was similar for me. I had to read about fifty pages to care what happened. The book takes you on such a long journey and creates such characters that I really felt involved in the story by the end. It was engrossing. I didn't really want it to end at all, which is why the sequel was great. I was rereading the book when I found out about it. Anyway I think the characters are very enjoyable and the process of the story is the great thing. Unlike a lot of books, this has a very big process from begining to end. It moves from place to place, world to world, one set of people to the next but keeping certaing constants. Jack a mature 12 year old with the weight of the world [ and other worlds ] on his shoulders. The fact that the hero is a 12 year old being stretched far beyond his belief and what his seeming means are, is the magic of the story. The unique world that they create as a companion to their own is something that makes me admire their imagination. How you can smell a radish being pulled from the ground a mile away and so forth. I'm so glad that I read this book as most of my reading material comes from non-fiction. This is a real escape from the world yet it accurately describes day to day characters we all probably run into. You'll have to see what I mean by that I guess. But I recommend this book before any other of King's. Really I do. Straub I don't know so well, but this is a King Masterpiece to start with. There of course is a gross out or two in there, but the writing makes up for the obligatory guts that show up here and there. This is one of my favorites and one that you really can read over when ever. Take a trip with these extremely creative story tellers and you can experience what real fantastic story telling is I think.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dark Tower: Wolves of the Calla; Author: Stephen; illustrated by Wrightson, Bernie King; Review: When I finished Calla, I picked up The Dark Half by King. 50 pages into it realizing A. This is good but B. This is how far Stephen King has come as a writer. Shocking. Calla in comparison to his older ones like Dark Half is vastly different as for once King does something that he rarely does. He abandons the unecessary descriptions that lose you when you are into one of his stories. This book is so low on useless description of every landscape and such that the story really flies. This is high on dialogue and story and as strange as it may seem unbelievably more vivid without such those descriptions. The characters have become much more. Each one of the gunslingers is far more developed with their previous journeys and new troubles. Yes Roland too. I don't want to spoil your possible surpise at this but in short, while Roland is still Roland, his heart has become more a part of his strength then at any time previous in the books. Each character was tested and each character rose to the occasion. But in the end this is not only in my opinion the easiest reading and best written of the books but by God the most pleasantly surprising of the books character concerning. My favorite of the books and because of the investment in the story over the years, I guess I have to say my favorite Stephen King book period. Even reading Dark Half as good a story as it is, it shows such striking improvement over the years in his ability to tell a story. Not insulting the reader's intelligence and giving enough pure entertainment to keep them into some very heavy subjects and catch on to some highly subtle forces at work emotionally speaking, while telling a very large story. Moving on from the dark part four we are in for a real breath of fresh air, especially those who read Salem's Lot, which I did not but I suppose I will make myself read a flipping vampire book now [ as much as I don't look forward to it ]! Bottom line is, this is the most surprising book concerning the characters including Jake and his similarity to someone else that I won't mention, even now. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did, I lost sleep reading it for a few nights, and I sadistically hope you are just as worried as I am about the ending...appearances. How can some writer put SOME people [many] in such a panic about some story!? He can't,... unless he is really, really good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LifeForce: A Dynamic Plan for Health, Vitality and Weight Loss; Author: Jeffrey S. McCombs; Review: I started this program in order to rid myself of bad complexion slow bowels and stubborn weight. One out of three isn't great but they are a big three in my life so it's not all that bad either. I lost 30 pounds across 17 weeks. This includes the time it took me having added the bacteria a week late and the add back portion of the plan where various foods are reintroduced. Keep in mind that this is a one time plan and also that the book is very short. It's a brief overview of the plan and Doctor McCombs' general perspective on modern health. Good information, good insights. I've heard so many different testimonials that I honestly believe but in my personal case it could not clear my complexion or my irregularity. That's not necessarily going to be true of anyone else but I'm still glad I did it for the weight loss and new insights into the weight issue and living healthy. One of the worst health problems I've had was cleared up by one key idea. I talked with Doctor McCombs via email about it and he openly said he doesn't heed his own advice on the subject much of the time but if it weren't for him mentioning it and a company that specializes in it, I'd still have insomnia. I have had insomnia my whole life and now it's gone. It was gone immediately after I took the advice and it wasn't even recommended for insomnia! It wasn't the lifeforce plan but it was on his list of advice. I respect Dr. McCombs for his common sense and theories. Update: I just want to quickly update my original review...about year ago I think. Although my chronic constipation was at its worst during the plan, even considering that I was partly doing it to remedy that problem, I've noticed that since completing his program and before starting anything else, it's not been a problem once. I suppose I spoke too soon. It seems to have cleared up the problem after all.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Highlander(TM): Shadow of Obsession; Author: Visit Amazon's Rebecca Neason Page; Review: If you take it for what it is, and that is, to me, by no means a standalone effort, but essentially an extra episode of Highlander for people that know the series, then you've got a very good episode (if not two-parter). I can't read it with the eyes of someone unfamiliar with the show's characters. But getting to revisit two of the top-shelf characters from the series is the heart of it, and I see some of the reviewers just didn't get enough of that, because the new character was the focal point. I get it. But I enjoyed getting Darius and Grayson in the pre-MacLeod world quite a bit. I agree with the review that Darius had a bit of Methos in him in the early version, but not too much. He's definitely not a Methos copycat from the author. He's his own man. The author did not copy and paste. He's really the man you'd think he would have to be before his change, imo. If there was a Highlander Season 7, and this could somehow be done, it probably would've been a top ten story. I've got to give it a high rating for that. _____SPOILER REVIEW AREA______ Three criticism from my view point, and it's just from my tastes at the time I read it, not really negativity toward the author, but: *I was fairly nonplussed by the way Darius expressed his newly found sense of self and the world to Grayson after his light quickening. The language just seemed so simple. He's just gone through one of the most profound things that has happened to anyone in the franchise and I thought it would be a different speech to Grayson. It's not like he would've forgotten what Grayson was. He could've had a little more guile than that. He opened his mouth and he was a high hipster from Portland, I swear. (I just said something unfair, and I know this, so apologies to the author) *The part where Violane attacks MacLeod seemed very oddly forced. I'd get just running into her plying the trade unfortunately and miserably. I would get the purpose it served and see it being in there, I think. But the attack and MacLeod finishing her life? It seemed like such a strange way to tie it up in the Paris revisit. Was she that simple after her time with Darius that she was going to randomly attack MacLeod and win in the middle of the street where someone could easily see the quickening? Was she just on a crash course and didn't care anymore, choosing a path of destruction, as it mentioned? Did she just fatally lose her temper at someone who knew her when, someone who was now pitying or lecturing to her outrage? Granted, she was just a minor character but I'm sure I was making an incredulous face while reading it. That was one of my top suspension of disbelief problems. *I was smacking my forehead with the book when MacLeod let Callestina go back to Paulus when; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Profits Of Religion; Author: Visit Amazon's Upton Sinclair Page; Review: I didn't read this electronic version but I read the book and it was fascinating. Make no mistake in that the science of fasting has grown immensely in recent years. Doctors Valter Longo and Mark Mattson are a big reason for some recent developments in research and doctors Jason Fung and Michael Mosley have boosted the practice of fasting an incredible amount, and have so much newer science to share than Sinclair could've possibly been exposed to. That said, some of the reason you might want to read this book in addition to newer, more technically sophisticated and scientific material is that Sinclair is...well...quite adventurous in a way most doctors would seriously hesitate to be. And if you're searching for this, maybe you're in a dire enough shape that you want some more adventurous ideas. Sinclair is interested in some very extreme cases and he's not shy about the practice at all. Even if you're not interested in fasting yourself, it's an interesting novelty of Sinclair's work, and of historical health books. I smiled when seeing mention of Doctor Salisbury-as the diet guru apparently originated one of my favorite meals. It certainly isn't a difficult read either. I find Sinclair's style more entertaining than a lot of the dryer medical science writings you can find on the subject. For me, I read this at the time of attempting and finishing a 5-day water-only fast. I worked up to that with 24-hour fasts first. The concept of fasting 1 or more days was eye-opening and one thing I've tried which I've continued as a regular part of life and benefited from very much. It's possibly the best single thing I've done for myself, even. Although, again, I built up to it, and I based it on far more than Sinclair's book. But I think it's an excellent choice if you're interested in the topic. It doesn't hurt putting you in the right frame of mind before attempting to fast either. I'll reiterate for those that haven't gotten much into the subject that there is a great deal of recent science on this. It is not just some random bizarre idea that doesn't hold water in modern medical science. Even if the attempt at explaining the practice in the book isn't exactly going to pass scientific muster these days, in every respect.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Too Good To Be True; Author: Visit Amazon's Kristan Higgins Page; Review: i just couldn't get pass the sister dating her ex fiance okay maybe boyfriend maybe but fiancee no way and sisters that were suppose to care about each other; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: This Love of Mine (A Mirror Lake Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Miranda Liasson Page; Review: I just didn't like because of what happen in the end. Didn't like the hero at all. She was to such a push over not enough back bone; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Until We Collide; Author: Visit Amazon's Charlotte Fallowfield Page; Review: This was a good fast read. I enjoyed very much; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Five Minutes Late; Author: Visit Amazon's Rich Amooi Page; Review: I liked the characters. Nice easy read. Funny romantic comedy but had a few kind of sad moments. Would definitely read another story from this author; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Night of Sin (After Hours); Author: Visit Amazon's Elle Kennedy Page; Review: This was so terrible the girl was just such a doormat. Wouldn't recommend to strong independent women. Guy wasn't very good either kind of a jerk; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Barbarian Lover (Ice Planet Barbarians) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Ruby Dixon Page; Review: So far what I've read from this author has been great but this one had completely. The between the two characters was so heart wrenching I was Crying st the end!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Barbarian Mine: A SciFi Aien Romance (Ice Planet Barbarians) (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's Ruby Dixon Page; Review: This author has so many idea's, I have enjoyed all the books I have read by her. There are all digital far but still intertwined with each other. I just love them; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Gaiam Yoga Mat - Solid Color Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Exercises; Brand: Gaiam; Review: Great mat for the price - medium thickness and finally a mat that's not slippery! I've been using it for months (2-3x a week) and don't see any wear and tear, rips or cracks in it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gaiam Yoga Straps; Brand: Gaiam; Review: Love. Not the thickest and softest, but great quality for the price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Soybu Women's Allegro Yoga Capri Pants; Brand: Soybu; Review: Beautiful color, fit well. If you sweat a lot, wouldn't recommend (would be visible).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: O2 Cool Mist 'N Sip 20 Ounce Hydration Bottle; Brand: O2COOL; Review: Love these- great for hot summer, quite strong for plastic.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Kickboxing Training Gloves; Brand: Sanabul; Review: Cute and fit her well. Just make sure to take them out of the bag or they get smelly (and if they do- put them in the freezer for 2 nights and let them air out for another 2). Ended up ordering inner gloves for sweat protection to go with these. My kid uses them for muay thai and is happy with them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Soybu Women's Gigi Sweater Pullover; Brand: Soybu; Review: Great to throw over tank tops - fits well and looks cute.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Venum Boxing Hand Wraps; Brand: Venum; Review: They look good and are perfect for beginners (the short ones) - makes the seams, inside the gloves, less bothersome... and look cute :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Soybu Women's Meryl Wrap Cardigan Sweater; Brand: Soybu; Review: Love these -bought another color, too - great for summer layering.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Venum "Kontact" Shin and Instep Guards; Brand: Venum; Review: My tall 11 y-o (5' 2") loves these (for muay thai) - they fit great (solid over 100lbs body) and she loves the neon pink. I read reviews, that people about 5' 7" love them and think might be too large for shorter folks - but they work well on my 5' 2" kid.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Speedo Ventilator Duffle Bag; Brand: Speedo; Review: Roomy and high quality - worth the extra bit of money. Bought for muay thai gloves and shin guards - for once that stuff doesn't stink - excellent!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Patrik Tezz Guesthouse; City: Coron Busuanga Island Palawan Province Mimaropa; Review: We made a long term commitment in visiting coron atleast once a year. Aside from the breath taking view of the islands and amazing dive spots, it is always the people and the place we stay in that we consider. From the first time we visited coron, we immediately fell in love in this place and the people. Tita Ely and 'bunso' who welcomed us made us feel at home right from the start. That's the time we know we did not make a mistake in choosing to stay here. The homey and cozy rooms are very clean and well maintained. If you are looking for a calm and serene place to stay and relax, choose this place. It is also near their public market, dive shops and restaurants that makes it easier for travelers like us. Aside from that, owners of this guest house have contacts to 'bangkeros' (boat men) you can rent for island hopping and dive shops to recommend, and van to rent for your travel back to the airport. That being said, it is surely a stress free stay as they make sure their guests are well treated and not being ripped off by other people. In a very cheap price, you surely can get more than what you expected while staying at this guest house. I will be looking forward to our stay here next year!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Centro Coron Bed and Breakfast; City: Coron Busuanga Island Palawan Province Mimaropa; Review: We ate at this this place when we visited coron as this was the only place accessible to us and was open early in the morning. Surprisingly, their food was good compared to other establishments which are way too expensive. Their breakfast meals were limited but it was okay. During dinner we went back to this resto to try other meals. Their 'pinakbet' (veggies sautéed in shrimp sauce) was good! And their seafood selections were available. Their staff were also accomodating and efficient.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dive and Trek; City: Bauan Batangas Province Calabarzon Region Luzon; Review: It was my first time to dive and my dive instructor chose this place. I dont know what to expect but When we first arrived here, the view is really breath taking. The food are also well prepared and always ready. Staff are also friendly and are well trained in assisting divers. Clean room, amenities and environment. However what throw us off was their boatmen almost 2 hrs late in picking us up when we arrived. Also, this is a bit pricey not suitable for budget travelers. If you're in bad luck, your room may be on the top hill which is annoying especially after a dive or simple swim. Overall this resort is above average.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ScubaBro Dive Resort; City: Mabini Batangas Province Calabarzon Region Luzon; Review: Accomodarions here are just right. If you are looking for a simple accomodation then you can find it here. The crew are very accomodating and they make sure that they cater to your needs. You can expect here a great view of the ocean from their deck. If you are a diver, then rest assured your well taken care of especially when it come to setting up boat dives and equipments. The diving crew are also very friendly. However, some of their amenities are old like their bathrooms and rooms. Also the food here are not as great compared to others. Their food tastes blant and during peak season there's food shortage.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: White Beach Resort; City: Puerto Galera Oriental Mindoro Province Mindoro; Review: Me and my friends stayed here over theweekend. We didnt have booked room hotel, so when we were dropped off from our multicab, this is the first place we saw. Ate Rhea, the one who manages incoming guests was very friendly and accomodating. She entertained us even without proper booking. We got our room for 2500/night (2 rooms, 3 beds, with hot and cold shower ac and tv). Since there are a lot of activities ypu can try at puerto galera, this room should suffice. Enough to cater to your basic needs (sleep and shower!). Aside from this, they have a resto at the ground floor. You can easily access it when your hungry, a small convenient store and a souvenir shop. All you need in just one place. During breakfast, we bring along food yo cook for our group. There's no cooking place here, but you can ask the staff to cook for you instead (with corkage of course, but still reasonable). Ate Rhea was also kind enough to recommend activities to try and also provided us tour guides to contact for a cheaper price. I can recommend this place for large groups. Overall, our experience here was awesome.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Balai sa San Juan; City: San Juan Batangas Province Calabarzon Region Luzon; Review: Recently visited Balai San Juan with my friends. Before we booked the place, we checked all the reviews here - some were very helpful. Now i have visited Balai Anilao - so my expectations were high (well not really high but close to what we've experienced in Anilao). Now, for the price - its okay. Not too pricey for a place like this. Maybe the timing was just not right, cos when we arrived, fish ponds were dry - when i say dry - no water at all. I think that caused the 'fish smell'. Good thing it was windy so it blew the smell away. The rooms were big - good for group of people. Shower has cold and hot , bathroom doesnt have any exhaust fans but has a window. Rooms were well ventilated - they have an aircon, ceiling fan and in case you're still not satisfied, you can turn on their electric fan. Only problem is that they used sliding doors, which in the long run- are rusting and difficult to slide. We only encountered an issue where in we couldn't lock the room anymore. The distance from their room and their resto and beachfront is not a joke. So good thing our friend's room is juat next to us, we moved our things in their room while their staff fix the door for us ( pretty quick as well). Food was also good - buffet meals that'll satisfy you after a long day of activities. The staff preparing too were all friendly, calm and tries to accomodate all the guests request in a timely manner. Just imagine the place packed with minimum of 40 people (we went there weekends - and some grpups arrived for day tours) and staff were trying to accomodate all the requests. So kudos to them. Make sure to get tons of sunblock cos as i mentioned, the distance between their rooms and the resto is an open area. Bamboo bridge connecting it as well is a bit old. You can see some nails and woods barely hanging so be careful when walking. Now the pool - yes they clean it. But just the water. Tiles arent slippery, however if you're wearing white - (like me) there's this yellowish color from the pool that stains your clothes. Beach is so-so. They do have a wide beach front to enjoy and cottages as well. Good for volleyball and group activities. However - we didnt swim in there. Aside from the tons of jellyfish, beach is also not well maintained. Lots of garbage. Not sure if the staff were just busy because of the number of visitors - but it's something they have to improve on. Pool cant accomodate all the people. At night - you can enjoy staying out viewing the skies star gazzing if weather os okay, enjoying the cold weather. They have billiards (free) and videoke (100 per hour). They do have a pocket wifi in their reato but signal is not that good. They have corkage for drinks bought outside. And; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Texicano Hotel and Restaurant; City: Laoag Ilocos Norte Province Ilocos Region Luzon; Review: Me and my friends visited Ilocos last month. Since we only have limited time to visit several placea. We didnt have much time to look for other places to stay. We ended staying here at Texicano. So for a group of 5, we got a family room for atleast 2100php+. It includes breakfast meal for two. With two additional beds since the room only has 3 aingle beds. So the place was cheap, so if you're looking for a place to just sleep, then this should suffice. They have a resto too, however we didnt find their food menu appetizing so we ended up eating in another resto. Place as well was near to convenient stores, market place, and other restaurants so you have other options. Now place looks old - family room includes a fridge that's working although its old. just enough to store sealed beverages - not food because there's rust inside. They also have utensils for use-but make aure to wash it again before using since there are soap residues. Over all, place is only good for sleeping and showering especially for group for a cheaper price. not recommended for staycation or long stay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Punta del Sol Beach Resort; City: Samal Island Davao del Norte Province Mindanao; Review: We visited this resort because it was recommended by our guide. Good points: - rooms are okay, clean and suitable for backpackers. No hot and cold showers but all rooms have ACs that are functioning. -staff were all friendly and accommodating. They cater to almost all the requests of their guests - place is near the public market and nearest restaurant (about 10minutes drive). - place is quiet and you can relax in their cottages facing the beach Not so good points: -beachfront resort. Me and my friends were expecting that we can swim into their beach, but on our dismay the place was full of trash. It's white sand but lots of stones and corals. Garbage floating and washed over their beachfront. We spent two days there and i haven't seen anyone cleaning it up. - overpriced menu. The first night we spent there it was raining heavily, so we didn't have any choice but to dine in to their restaurant, we were excited to try their dishes but was surprised on the price. We were a group of 7 and spent almost 2k for just 3 viands (2 sisig and 1 fish sinigang) and rice (this compared to other restaurants we have tried there). - while having breakfast and resting they also allow vendors to sell inside the resort premises. Mostly selling pearls and accessories. Overall i can say this place is okay if you're looking for a place to stay overnight. But not a place to enjoy the beach.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Juness Beach Resort; City: Morong Bataan Province Central Luzon Region Luzon; Review: So we were looking for a place that can accommodate our group. Luckily we found this place. 2 to 3 hrs drive away from the Metro, this place is awesome. They have huge rooms and dorm types for large groups. They also have a pool, well maintained and clean rooms. Cottages inside the resort and even outside. You can swim at night until 10pm. Beach is also clean, calm and just few walks away from the resort. Plenty of shower areas as well to rinse, not over crowded, grilling stations and friendly staff members. Only issue we had is that the bathroom doesnt have ventilation, not sure if it's the same for all the rooms, but no window or exhaust fans. Food were all tasty, but serving recommendations are insufficient. Meal serving as they indicate arent enough. And they also dont have a parking attendant to assist you where to park. So while your enjoying, some of the staff may ask you to move your car if other guests are about to leave which i find irritating. Overall, budget friendly resort.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Isla Bonita Beach Resort; City: San Juan La Union Province Ilocos Region Luzon; Review: My friends and i went to visit this place few weeks ago. Finding a place that's pet friendly is very difficult but this hotel was very accommodating. Place was very neat and nice beachfront view. They also have nice pools that kids can enjoy. Neat rooms, clean bathrooms. The room we got was spacious for 4k/night that can accomodate atleast 8 people. Food are also cheap and very tasty with good serving. They also have a live acoustic band that plays good music just perfect before you cap the night off. Also, when we were here, there was a power outage, and good thing this resort was well prepared with their reliable generators. Only thing is if you are looking for a place to surf, this is not the place to be, you might need to either walk to the nearest surfing spot (about 30min walk) or ride a tricycle or bring your own car. We rode a tricycle which cost around 100pesos back and forth. Their aircon as well wasnt enough to cool the room especially during the day, but they have fans on each rooms. I just wish they remove the ktv since its free of use, so anyone can sing their heart out, but ktvs arent for everyone. Although it's only turned on during the day because they have a band playing at night. Overall, nice place to chill and and enjoy the calm ocean and food.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: We Were Liars; Author: E. Lockhart; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: First of all, let me tell you one thing: I bought this book thinking it would be some sort of mystery/thriller, like a gang of really rich people reuniting in their fifties to remember the good old days, while slowly letting the reader in on some big secret of theirs. Obviously, I was completely wrong. This story is in fact told by 18-year old Cady, who suffers from migraines ever since the mysterious accident which turned her life around, two years ago. She shows us the elite world in which the Sinclair family (an all-white, all-beutiful, all-powerful family) lives, and inside which she doesn't seem to fit anymore, not since her health went downhill. Cady doesn't remember much of the accident that turned her life around: all she knows is that it happened at night, on the private island where she and her cousins have spent their summers since they were kids. So when, two years later, her mother finally agrees to take her back to Beechwood Island, Cady is determined to find out what happened during Summer Fifteen - as she calls it - and what went wrong with her brain, and her memory. But nothing is what it seems to be, and the more Cady learns, the more stains seem to appear on the perfect white linen cloth that is the Sinclair family. As I already said, this book totally blew all of my expectations, and turned out to be far more fascinating and complicated than I could've ever imagined. There are many major plot-twists, which simply leave you with your mouth hanging open, wondering how you can have missed such an obvious connection. It's like many small peices of paper falling to the ground, back to their original spots, and slowly letting you see the truth. I personally loved the mystery in this book, and the way it was balanced by introspection and further development of the relationships within characters. The characters all seemed believable to me, even though the forbidden relationship between Cady and Gat did initially perplex me, as it tasted a lot of cliche. It was, although, developed in a very unexpected way, so I didn't find myself disliking it too much. I especially liked Cady's inner mechanics, the way she said she didn't want to be pitied, but actually looked for pity in everyone surrounding her, the way she was unsure of what she wanted, of what she felt, of what her reasons were. She was a nice character to read about, because she was irregular and confused. As for the writing style, I must say I found it quite similar to that of Tahereh Mafi in Shatter Me: it had the same fragmented sentences, the same thought-repeating strategy... But, there are no crossed out words or compulsive counting every two lines, so it wasn't exactly the same, either. I guess it just gave me the same feel (I would like to point out that I have no idea which book was written first, so I am no way accusing anyone of plagiarism whatsoever -; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Paper Towns; Author: John Green; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: There are so many things to say about this book I literally don't know where to start. I mean, it's one of those books that leave you feeling weird when they're over - like you can't read anything else, because it just wouldn't feel the same. It's one of those books you keep turning around in your hands, trying to figure out another way in now that the story is over. But mostly, it's one of those books that just won't tell you how the story ends. There is no closure, no defined ending. And while this can be extremely frustrating at first, you soon realize it couldn't end any other way. It has to end like this. It has to leave you not knowing, because you spent the entire book not knowing, and it would feel wrong to finally make things clear at the very end. What I really loved about Paper Towns was the constant feeling of research that spread everywhere in the book. Quentin looking for Margo. Lacey looking for Margo. Margo looking for herself. I love books with quests and actual adventure and action, and this book has it all. It tells a realistic story but gives it the feel of some sort of incredible treasure hunt, with all the clues to follow and the questions to answer and the frustration at not being up to the task. I loved the way Song of Myself by W. Whitman wasn't simply a clue, but was what helped the main character grow and start to see things differently and question himself and his ideas. I loved how the three parts of the book are named after the three theories about humankind Margo, Whitman and Quentin develop, and how each of the sections is so perfectly focused on its - so to call it - theme. I loved the humor in the narration, the way it managed to be funny from the very first page, and to stay amusing without ever getting annoying. I loved this book, all of it. Even though I didn't quite understand Margo in all her shades. Even though the ending is fuzzy and I will never know what exactly happened. I loved it, and the only reason I would never be able to pick a favorite between this and Looking for Alaska - which is the only other book by John Green I've read and loved so far - is that, if you look closely, they tell very similar stories. In both, the normal, boring guy (Quentin and Miles) sets out on a wild goose chase to understand what exactly happened to the smart, out of the box and possibly crazy, dark-haired girl who was such a big part of his life (Margo and Alaska). That being said, while the skeleton of both stories is very similar, what's built around it makes these two books different and unique and impossible to choose between.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower; Author: Stephen Chbosky; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: The first time I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower, a couple of years ago, I didn't enjoy it at all. I remember the thing I'd liked least had been the way you could only see the characters through Charlie's eyes, how you could never really know them, you could just get to know their shadows through Charlie's words. This time, my experience was completely different. This time, I honestly didn't care that much about the other characters because all of my attention was focused on Charlie and his struggles and his brokennes. I don't know what it was that changed my persoective in such a radical way, but something did, and I could finally understand the story and the characters and everything. I know I probably shouldn't be comparing or anything, but while reading the book I couldn't help but compare Charlie and Holden Caulfield in my mind, and I was surprised by how similar and how different they are: Holden doesn't manage to fit in his society, and hi raction is to cut himself off, to ignore everyone and everybody, to run away; Charlie, on the other hand, keeps struggling to "partecipate", as he keeps saying all through his letters, to be a part of something, even though he doesn't fit in either. Both of them have reactions they can't explain, both of them are fragile, but while Holden takes it out on the people around him, Chalie keeps it all inside, until he implodes. And I understood his character, I grew fond of him, nodded to the things he said... I felt him. The writing style was just perfect. The honesty of the letters sent to someone he doesn't even know, the way sentences are constantly corrected, thoughts erased or admitted with difficulty... All of this contributes to the vivid image the reader has of Charlie, and lets him into the story slowly, gradually. Charlie's world builds slowly, and that makes it easier to undersatnd, it makes it more familiar. At the end of the book I almost felt as if I had been the person to whom Charlie had addressed the letters. As if I were that constant presence, so close and yet always out of the picture. And say what you will, but in my opinion any book with characters that can feel so real, so close in sapce and time, is a book worth reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe; Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Actual rating: 3.5 stars; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1); Author: Rick Riordan; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This is my third time re-reading this book, in honor of the upcoming last book in the series, and I must say, no matter how may times I read it, The Lightning Thief never manages to bore me. I mean, yes, its writing style is simple. Yes, we have the classic "kid saving the world" stuff. Yes, we have a trio of two boys and one girl which looks a lot like the Harry Potter one (smart girl, goofy best friend, chosen one with black hair and green eyes..). BUT everything else in this book is pretty much unique. Just think of the incredibly brilliant idea this man had. Greek gods living in the modern world, having children who go on quests and fight monsters, forced to follow the rules of a world we all think is long-lost. If that's not pure genius, then I don't know what is. Honestly. Plus, this amazing idea was developed in such a spectacular way that you just can't ignore the wonderful craftsmanship behind this book: the flawless way in which the myths are adapted to fit into a modern society, the incredible lengths the author has gone to make everything fit just right, how he took old characters and left them exactly the same, but added to them just what they needed to become unforgettable. If you know something about Greek mythology, the. this book will have you smiling to yourself and shaking your head in disbelief all the way through, and if you don't - what better way to get started?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet; Author: Jamie Ford; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Every time I read a book with forbidden love inside it, I keep wondering "How can parents be so blindly selfish?" and I never come up with a good enough answer. I just don't get it. In the end, when the son or daughter dies or turns against their parents, all I think is "There. Now you get payback. Now you suffer. You should've known. You should've been a better parent.". In Hotel on The Corner of Bitter and Sweet there was no such moment. Sure, the parents were awful most of the time, but Henry simply is too good a son to hurt them as much as they hurt him. And, I must say, I appreciated the way their relationship was handled by the author: it shows that sometimes there is no way out. Sometimes, you simply can't pay people back for what they have done. Sometimes, all you can do is live with the damage. Personally, I love bitter books, those filled with broken characters, who for some reason can't communicate and remain isolated and lonely and never fully understand each other. This book was no exception. The characters were fleshed out masterfully, and their complicated, messed-up relationships brought the book alive. These are characters you want to shake and shout at, characters you wish you could hug and punch in the face, characters that move something inside you - and, as far as I'm concerned, characters that make you feel like this are the ones really worth reading about. The plot was fairly simple, linear and nearly twist-less, but I enjoyed it all the same, mainly because of the characters - as I already said - and. of the immense historical accuracy. The facts and events described in this book taught me so many things I'd never even imagined. I never knew about POW camps in America during WW2. I never knew about how strong racism was back then. I could've never imagined any of it, and this book just gave me the opportunity to see the whole conflict from a completely different point of view. I must say, I didn't have particularly high expectations for this book, especially after having read Songs of Willow Frost, which I didn't really appreciate, but now I'm just so glad I bought it. I literally couldn't put it down.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Songs of Willow Frost; Author: Jamie Ford; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: I came across this book while in the library, and immediately fell in love with its Italian title "Come un fiore ribelle", which translated into English would be "Like a rebel flower". After quickly reading the plot on the back cover, and learning of William and his serach for his mother with her dark, complicated past, I knew I had to buy it. And so I did. I must admit, the first chapters didn't strike me as particularly well written or intriguing: we simply follow William as, during an outing for his twelfth birthday with the other boys of the Seattle Sacred Heart Orphanage, he recognizes his mother on the silver screen of a movie theater. Upon learning Willow Frost - the actress whom he is convinced is his mother - will soon come to Seattle, William decides he has to find her and talk to her. After five long years of silence and believing she was dead, his mother is suddenly everywhere: in movie theaters, on posters, on flyers, on the radio, which definitely makes William's search easier. The story seems, in fact, to be centered much more on Liu Song's story, from her miserable life in Seattle's Chinatown to becoming Willow Frost, than on William's. While William is the main character in the first few chapters and in some others in the middle of the book, we still know very little about him, which makes it difficult to relate to him. He is the only Chinese child in the orphanage, and he is looking for his mother, because he still loves her unconditionally - but that's it. That's all we know about our hero. The only thing that stopped me from skipping William's chapters and moving on to the good bits was Charlotte's story - which I won't talk about for fear of spoiling the book. What I will say, though, is that she is the only character which felt real and tangible out of the ones that roamed the halls of the Sacred Heart Orphanage, and probably the only one I geniunely liked and rooted for. Liu Song's story, on the other hand, occupies a very vast portion of the book, giving us a chance to actually get to know her through her actions and reactions, through the choices she makes and through her dreams, which never seem to come true. Her story is, in fact, one of hope and despair, which heartbreakingly portrays how hard life was for unwed mothers in the 1920s, as well as the struggles Chinese immigrants had to face when trying to build a life in the United States. Her tale is one worth reading, one that forces you to think about all the progress society made and how easy life is today when compared to life eighty years ago. Her tale is what makes this book worth reading.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wonder (Wonder #1); Author: R.J. Palacio; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: I know it's probably been said a million times already, but I can't help myself: this book is a wonder. Seriously. Great, now that's out of the way, I might as well get on with my review. In Wonder, we follow the times and troubles of 10-year-old August Pullman as he begins his very first year of school. Due to the many surgeries he had to undergo because of the rare syndrome deforming his face, he has been homeschooled by his mother ever since he was a kid. Now his parents want him to go to school, in order to receive a proper education, but August definitely isn't happy about this. He is in fact very well aware of how people see him and has no envy whatsoever to become the school's laughingstock. But then, a meeting with the principal, and the right few words manage ti convince him. Needless to say, this isn't going to be easy. At all. Now, what I loved about this book was that it was very simply written. And by that I don't mean it didn't have depth or it used too simple grammar: I mean it was written without complicated metaphors or absurd syntactic stucture, which I ally, really appreciated. Many books I've read lately have forced me to go back and reread whole paragraphs, because I couldn't understand their meaning, but not Wonder. R.J. Palacio writes clearly, simply, and with an awful amount of sincerity - especially when it comes to describing August's feelings and impressions. I also really liked the fact that the book was split into different POVs, because that way I managed not only to see the world through August's eyes, but through the eyes of all those who are close to him, as well: his sister, who has been trying to protect him from harm ever since he was a baby, but suddenly wants to have a life of her own, and hates herself for being so "selfish"; his friend Jack, who gives up popularity and severs a lot of friendships just to help him out; Summer, a really pretty girl who ends up becoming August's best friend; and even Julian, the bully who will do all that's in his power to make August's life miserable. It was especially nice, seeing how all these different puzzle pieces, coming from different minds, could fit together to form one extremely moving, incredibly deep big picture. I enjoyed seeing the characters grow and deal with their problems and smile through their tears. I loved its unwavering sincerity, even in front if things that people too often prefer to hide.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vedi alla voce: amore; Author: David Grossman; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, romance, fiction; Review: "Un'intera epoca geniale" Ecco cos'e questo libro, per metterla come Grossman. Un intero mondo, privo di coordinate geografiche e temporali precise, perche pieno di personaggi che di questi paramentri non hanno bisogno. Una storia infinita, che si interrompe e si riavvolge, si perde e si ritrova continuamente. Inizia con Momik, piccolo ebreo nato a Gerusalemme, da due genitori ex-deportati. Momik vuole scoprire cos'e questa Belva Nazista che tanto tormenta i suoi genitori, che rende proibiti i ricordi di Quel Paese Li, che impedisce alla sua famiglia di essere come tutte le altre. Vuole aiutare i suoi genitori a liberarsene, ma non sa dove mettere le mani. Cosi comincia una serie di esperimenti, che vedono come protagonisti i randagi che alleva in cantina, e ascolta le storie dei vecchi che si riuniscono sotto casa. Ma non basta. Per capre davvero, Momik dovra aspettare di diventare adulto, seguire le tracce dello scrittore Bruno Shulz in Polonia, trovare il coraggio di entrare nella sua stanza bianca e raccontare finalmente la storia che Nonno Anshel ripeteva continuamente in un suo linguaggio segreto, incomprensibile a tutti. Lo stile e colloquiale, caratterizzato da frasi lunghe e talvolta difficili da seguire, nell'intento di ricrare l'andamento confusionario e continuo del pensiero. La struttura narrativa e perfettamente consequenziale nel suo insieme, ma vi sono innumerevoli salti logici e temporali dovuti a infiniti incastri di "storia nella storia", raccolti l'uno nell'altro come una serie di matrioske. Il corso degli eventi diventa quindi completamente imprevedibile, pieno di colpi di scena dati non tanto dagli avvenimenti in se, ma dal modo in cui i singoli personaggi regiscono ad essi. Sono infatti i personaggi il vero fiore all'occhiello di questo libro. Improbabili e contraddittori, ma proprio per questo veri da far paura, permettono a Grossman di raccontare della Shoah in modo quasi fiabesco, delicato e amaro al tempo stesso. Lontani nel tempo e nei luoghi, eppure accomunati dalla stessa incessante ricerca di un senso della vita e di tutto cio che li circonda, senza pero mai riscore a trovarlo, esprimono con folle lucidita i piu estremi caratteri della natura umana, riuscendo a meravigliare il lettore ad ogni pagina. Ognuno ha le sue idee, le sue passioni, le sue convinzioni, una vera e propria filosofia personale, che li guida nella vita e viene pian piano svelata, senza mai divenire pero pienamente comprensibile. Ognuno e un piccolo microcosmo dalle profondita infinite, e non basterebbero cinque, dieci libri per esplorarli tutti quanti a fondo. Ognuno e un'epoca geniale unica e irripetibile, e proprio questo fa del libro che narra le loro avventure un vero e proprio capolavoro.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: To Kill a Mockingbird; Author: Harper Lee; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: This is one of the many books I bought without having a very clear idea of the plot, or anything except a few basic details, really. All I knew about To Kill a Mockingbird was that it somehow concerned the trial of a black man as seen by his lawyer's daughter. That was it. It's easy to understand, then, why I was perplexed when I opened the book and found myself reading the story of three kids and a man who never came out of his house. I kept reading, wondering how it all fit together, waiting for the part I knew to come by, and when it did still I didn't understand, I still couldn't fit the pieces together. I had to wait to finish the book to finally understand it all. To Kill a Mockingbird was nothing like what I'd expected, but maybe that's just the reason I rally appreciated this book. I was expecting a story full of drama, entirely revolving around the investigation and the trial, but what I got instead was the story of a town as seen through the eyes of a child who could not understand everything that was going on, and yet took part in every second of it. Above all, Harper Lee's writing sounds sincere, and I guess that's what got me hooked: the story felt real to me, and I was compelled to learn more and more about it, until everything there was to tell had been told. The story had come full circle, and I closed the book with a smile on my face, one of those smiles you only get when all the questions you had have been answered. The smile you only get when things finally fit into place. Sure, that's not exactly the way things go in real life, but that's definitely not a good enough reason not to read this book. Not only does it tell a truly touching story, but it also offers a peek into the minds and ways of the inhabitants of small american town in the 1930s. It's incredibly interesting to witness the entire story of Maycomb unfold before you, as if it was some necessary knowledge, because it helps you understand that, to the characters, it is. It's fascinating to hear Alexandra Finch enumerate the various families living in town, each with its particular "streak", and it is frustrating to stand by and watch, without really understanding the reasons behind such a thing, as a young black man is convicted of a crime he did not committ, just because doing otherwise would somehow break a tradition. So yes, if I had to pick one element inside this book which definitely makes me glad to have read it, it would be the accurateness of the historical setting, as it truly does make you feel as if, just for once, you'd actually managed time travel.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Ocean at the End of the Lane; Author: Neil Gaiman; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: After reading Stardust and hating it, I was very unsure wether I should buy this or not. In the end, though, I'm glad I did. The story has extremely original elements, and the plot is developed masterfully. The novel is short, which contributes to the atmosphere of general mystery that envelopes the events it relates and leaves the reader with a sense of unsatisfaction that is probably desired by the author. While the plotline is linear, there are many things that fail to be explained, and the novel feels somehow more like a glimpse into a world which the reader will never be able to fully understand rather than a story. The characters were original, peculiar and likeable, though I didn't grow fond of any of them. Maybe the events unfoded to quickly to allow that, or maybe I simply couldn't really get inside the story. I did very much appreciate, thoug, the vague ending, which somehow gives a reason for all this contant glimpsing without ever receiving any clarification: the main character himself has no clear idea of what is going on. And, since he is the narrator, the lack of information is entirely justified. Would I recommend it? Why not? It is a short, quick read, undeniably original and perfect to squeeze in your reading schedule between long, egaging books, though I cannot say it leaves any trace. At last, it didn't affect me in any way.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You; Author: Peter Cameron; Genres: young-adult, fiction; Review: I don't know what exactly I was expecting when I walked into this, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't this. Don't get me wrong: the story was nice, and there are some very good quotes, but somehow it al felt.. distant? I couldn't feel any of the characters. I couldn't relate to them, couldn't understand their motives and issues, couldn't imagine them as real people. Even the main character, James, somehow failed to come to life. I imagined this novel would be full of emotional turmoil, but it honestly was never that gripping or emotionally significant. I guess the main problem was it was simply too short: the characters had potential, the story had potential, everything inside this entire book has potential, but none of it was used - if not to an extremely small percentage. The realtionships between the characters could have been explored, challenged, but at the end of the book everything is left pretty much in the same state as it was when we encountered it on the very first page. Sure, James now knows he has time. He is a teeny bit more realxed. And I understand change is often subtle, but I am also pretty convinced even the smallest of changes hides great emotion. Which wasn't there. Even the narrator, James, only rarely seemed to be emotionally involved in what he was relating. I don't know if it was a mistake on my part - I had very high expectations, especially regarding James: I had imagined him much more cinic and ironic - but when I finished the novel I felt nothing. Just as I had felt nothing while reading it. There was not a single moment during which I wanted to scream, or hug the characters, or nod with tears in my eyes at the revelatin the character had just had about himself. It was all just plain. As I said, though, the potential was all there: a kid who seemingly has everything, but would be much happier with nothing, At least that's what he thinks. And the title. Don't even get me started on the title. But, alas, there is not much to du about it and, after some mulling it over, I decided the book atill deserved three start for its promising foundations. Would I recommend it? Not immediately and not very convincedly. But yes, if you have nothing to read at the moment, this might very well be a good choice.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Le intermittenze della morte; Author: Jose Saramago; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Odio dover fare la guastafeste, ma per quanto mi riguarda questo libro non merita le 3.9 stelle di media che gli sono state attribuite. Ora, sara che sono stata io a fraintendere completamente, ma nel leggere la quarta di copertina mi ero immaginata il racconto di un mondo sottosopra ma allo stesso tempo incredibilmente realistico, condito con quelle descrizioni piene di ironia e con quei personaggi caratterizzati in modo originale ed efficace che sono tipici di autori come Stefano Benni e Daniel Pennac, e che sembravano poter trovare una collocazone ideale in una storia tanto particolare. L'idea, per carita, e geniale: la morte smette di uccidere. Quindi? Che succede? Come reagisce il mondo? Quali sono i problemi che si vengono a creare? E, soprattutto, perche la morte ha smesso di compiere il suo lavoro? Queste sono tutte le domande che si pone il potenziale lettore, e che lo spingono a gettarsi in quella che spera sara un'avventura, se non esilarante, quantomeno irriverente. Purtroppo, le cose non vanno esattamente cosi. Lo sviluppo della storia e incentrato in una prima parte fondamentalmente sugli intrighi politici che si vengono a creare in seguito alla disfunzione della morte, in una seconda parte, invece, sulla storia d'amore fra la morte e un uomo che, nonostante la gente abbia ripreso infine a morire, non muore. Il motivo per cui quest'uomo in particolare e immune alla morte non ci viene mai spiegato, e la trama si trascina per tutto il corso del libro in modo prevedibile e irritante. Non ci sono personaggi, non c'e un narratore sagace a compensarne l'assenza, non ci sono colpi di scena che ti invoglino a proseguire nella lettura. Non c'e nulla. Certo, nella seconda parte del libro fa la sua comparsa l'uomo che non muore, e che dunque suscita l'interesse della morte (presentataci per la prima volta in questa occasione), ma entrambi questi personaggi sono scarsamente tratteggiati, fantasmi di stereotipi senza potenziale alcuno. Senza contare che lo scarto improvviso che si crea fra la prima parte, composta fondamentalmente dal racconto sterile delle reazioni politiche all'assenza della morte, caratterizzata quindi da uno sguardo generale e superficiale, e la seconda parte, interamente incentrata sulla vicenda di due singoli personaggi, non e affatto armonico, e si fa invece sentire in tutta la sua potenza. Da Jose Saramago, da un titolo come Le intermittenze della morte, mi aspettavo molto di piu: mi aspettavo una morte ironica, cinica, ma allo stesso tempo inesperta e curiosa riguardo alle cose degli uomini. Mi aspettavo personaggi che fossero capaci di dare vita al concetto di partenza, rendendolo degno delle duecento pagine che gli sono dedicate. Mi aspettavo uno stile strano e contorto, sottile, capace di dipingere in modo efficace e fin troppo realistico una situazione che realistica non e affatto. Dire che sono rimasta delusa e dire veramente poco.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Help; Author: Kathryn Stockett; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Most reviews about this book are either extremely positive or extremely negative. This is going to be neither. I mean, it certainly was a book I enjoyed reading, but at the same time it wasn't at all the powerful, emotional story I was expecting. It didn't stick with me that much. I can't say wether it was an accurate portrayal of what life was like in the 1960s in Mississipi, because I wasn't there, but what I can say is that it felt much to story-like to be true. It has a near-perfect ending, nothing is left untied, unexplained. Everything falls right into plce, and I'm sorry to say so but I guess that's what didn't make it very enjoyable, at least for me. There is not a trace of the drama that was hinted all throughout the book. As for the voices, I actually enjoyed Aibileen's the most, because it's the only one that felt personal, in my opinion. Skeeter's and Minny's were just too much alike, and I'm not saying this just because they were both written with correct grammar. As an aspiring author, I have often been told that when you decide to write multiple POVs you should try and make each of the voices sound unique, just as unique is the mind you are trying to portray through that voice. I couldn't feel this difference in The Help. When switching between Minny and Skeeter chapters I always had to check the name on top of the page to make sure which one I was reading. All in all, though, I'm glad to have read it. It might not be a perfectly accurate portrayal of what life was back then, but it can, at least give you an idea, which I think is fundamental. I said in the beginning of this review that it wasn't going to be completely negative, and that's mainly because of Aibileen. I found her story, her character, her voice, to be real and believable, and I think her relationship with Mae Mobley was portrayed perfectly. The only scene in the entire book which truly touched me was the Martian Luther King one. If I could, I'd underline it a thousand times. Every time I read it, I feel shivers down my spine. In the end, The Help is undoubtedly an enjoyable read, but not the great piece of literature it is often made out to be. I would've given it two stars, hadn't there been some beautiful stories hidden underneath the main plot. Constantine and her daughter, Yule May and her desperation to get her twins to college, Lou Anne and Louvenia's relationship are just a few example of the what makes this book truly worthwhile. So, should you read it or not? In my opinion, you should, but you should also keep and open mind while doing so, and keep your eyes open, ready to spot all these little diamonds hidden underneath the sand.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: On Beauty; Author: Zadie Smith; Genres: non-fiction, fiction; Review: When I first picked up this book I leafed through the first few pages and, reading Jerome's e-mails, I thought it would be a funny, witty tale of how families fall apart and then put themselves back together. On Beauty was neither. It certainly wasn't funny and, while families do indeed fall apart, they never seem to manage getting back on their feet. My main problem, I guess, was with the writing style. I was expecting something far more lively and engaging, and while I liked the continuous POV exchange, which gives the reader the chance to have a clearer view of both how characters are and how they seem to people, the writing in itself seemed to me particularly detached from the story. There weren't many emotional moments, and those that should have been were either cut out (we nearly never see Kiki and Howard fighting, we just see the consequences of their fights) or horribly flattened. Even the couple of sex scenes somehow managed to be completely feelingless. And although there were some very well written turning points, such as Howard feeling ill inside the church and going to find his father, or Zora confronting Carl and then Howard, they were simply not enough to balance all the passionless scenes that populate the book. On Beauty also has a very unclear, almost cinematographic ending, which seemed to me nearly out of place, after the precise account of the events that the author gives throughout the book. Not only that, the final pages try somehow to give hope regarding further developments, even though just a while before the author describes an almost irrecuperable state of things. All in all, it just seemed out of place to me. Surprisingly enough, I didn't like the characters. I didn't relate to them, or root for them, or in any way feel involved with their times and troubles. I did, though, find them very interesting, each in his or her own way, especially Howard and Zora with their cynicism, Kiki with her endless faith in people and Levi with his constant effort to become a part of something, and I guess that's what made sure the book wasn't my worst read of all time. Honestly, I found myself reading on simply because I wanted to find out more about the mind workings of these very peculiar people, who for some reason seem to be absolutely incapable of listening to each other. I can't say I understood them (many of Howard's reasons are still a mystery to me), but maybe that's exactly what made this read far more interesting than it would have been otherwise. In the end, I can't say I liked On Beauty, nor that I would recommend it to anyone, but I did, in a way, find it very interesting under the psychological aspect. As it often is with books, though, you might find you love it, or hate it viscerally, find the characters flat or the plot extremely engaging. This is just my honest opinion, and you should take it as such:; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cose che nessuno sa; Author: Alessandro D'Avenia; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Onestamente, mi aspettavo di meglio. Dopo aver letto Bianca Come il Latte Rossa Come il Sangue e averlo amato con tutta me stessa, seppur consapevole che sarebbe stato difficile trovare un altro capolavoro, mi aspettavo che questo secondo libro di D'Avenia reggesse almeno il confronto. Purtroppo, non e cosi. La storia non e particolarmente originale, a tratti addirittura esagerata, i personaggi principali sono spesso difficili da comprendere, lo stile frettoloso e ripetitivo. La protagonista, Margherita, dopo aver scoperto che suo padre e andato via di casa, non riversa contro di lui, lui che ha tradito, lui che li ha abbandonati, il proprio odio, ma contro la madre, che altra colpa non ha se non quella di essere stata, per un peirodo, troppo presa dai figli e dagli impegni per essere l'amante premurosa che suo marito avrebbe voluto. Ora, capisco che ci possa essere un rapporto particolare tra Margherita e suo padre, molto piu forte di quello presente fra Margherita e sua madre, ma non e stato esplorato abbastanza a fondo da poter giustificare, agli occhi del lettore, una reazione simile. Anche Giulio, il ragazzo tenebroso e pieno di rancore nei confronti del mondo, che accompagnera Margherita nel viaggio alla ricerca di suo padre, non risulta credibile: abbandonato alla nascita, odia la vita come la impone la societa e ama la solitudine, si innamora di Margherita - lui che mai ha amato in vita sua e tratta come cani persino i poveri cristi che fanno volontariato nella sua casa famiglia - non appena la vede. Instalove? Si, grazie! E menomale che almeno non cominciano a baciarsi da pagina uno, e il loro rapporto, seppure partito da un colpo di fulmine, ha comunque un minimo di incertezza iniziale e di evoluzione. Poca attenzione e data a personaggi che dovrebbero invece riceverne di piu, come il padre e la madre di Margherita, o la nonna, mere sagome di cartone che servono a mettere in moto la storia e vengono poi gettate nel dimenticatoio, mentre altri, secondari, risultano i meglio costruiti: basti pensare ad Andrea, e all'incredibile chiarezza con cui vede il mondo, seppure senza capirlo; al professore, che risulta piacevole in quanto non e affatto la figura paterna che ci si aspetterebbe, ma un vero e proprio ipocrita, che parla di coraggio e poi non riesce neanche a guardarsi allo specchio. Lo stile cerca di conservare quella brevita e quella incisivita che tanto hanno reso efficace Bianca Come il Latte, Rossa Come il Sangue, ottenendo pero l'effetto contrario: la narrazione e frettolosa, gli eventi si succedono in un turbine multicolore, quasi privo di emozioni. Il tempo della storia non e chiaro, i momenti importanti sono trattati con poche righe, non approfonditi quanto avrebbero dovuto essere. L'autore batte, inoltre, sempre sugli stessi concetti, fino a farli diventare noiosi e a far venire voglia al lettore di saltare interi paragrafi: miriadi di volte sono ripetuti il significato del nome Margherita, la storiella della perla che si forma attorno al predatore, il viaggio di Telemaco. Spesso si parla anche di un Labirinto, che forse l'autore riconnette a quello; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close; Author: Jonathan Safran Foer; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Actual rating: 4.5 stars The first thing you notice about Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close has to be the photographs. They're a bit everywhere, spread throughot the book as if someone had dropped them by mistake. At first glance, they don't mean anything. They don't make any sense. But then you start reading, and suddenly you get it: you understand why the pictures are there, and what their purpose is, and you realize the book would not be the same without them. You realize even what seems insignificant actually holds great meaning. That's more or less the way this entire novel is built. It's all about small things and details and stuff you might just miss, which turns out to be the only thing you should have really noticed. The plotline is crafted masterfully, and it is the perfect combination of linear, confusing and suspenseful every reader would hope for. We follow Oskar while on his search for the lock opened by the mysterious key his dad left behind, but at the same time we get glimpses of his grandparents' stories, laced with the tragedy of WWII. The characters are unconventional, borderline fairytale-like and yet incredibly realistic. They bring the story to life: you breath it and live it because their voices are all very well-defined, each one with its own timber and idioms and peculiarities. Even the minor characters are fleshed out so well you care and root for them, no matter for how little time they appear. The POV shift between Oskar and his grandparents is constant and allows the story to build up slowly, letting you discover bits of information and giving you time to piece them together step by step. Nohing is revealed immediately, and some things are only explaind halfway through the book - sometimes later. Somehow, that makes it all the more fascinating: you want to understand exactly what happened, but for a very long time all you have is clues. This elaborate plotline matches perfectly the writing style, which varies very often, adpating perfectly to hundreds of different situations, always in the attempt to make it all sound as real and as truthful as possible. The narrative techniques are many, and they somehow condensate into one organic whole which works so perfectly it seems impossible. The only problems I had were with punctuation, which wasn't always clear - especially when it came to dialogues. Other than that, I honestly can't find anything else to complain about. The story was deep, touching, interesting. The characters were some of the best I ever read, even though some were more easily realtable to than others. Not only that: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is a book that doesn't give all the answers. Just like life doesn't. Some things remain unresolved, some doubts are never cleared up. Maybe that's one of the main reasons why it can't be considered a happy book: life is just too complicated and crazy to be happy, and this book is a vivid and painstakingly clear portrait of that. I would honestly recommend it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I'll Give You the Sun; Author: Jandy Nelson; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I'll Give You the Sun didn't makeit to my favorites shelf, but I definitely enjoyed reading it. The plotline isn't groundbreakingly original, but neither can it be called conventional. The great thing abou it is how it is told in bits and peices, leaving thereader a chance to put back the puzzle on their own, before the author does so herself. The writing style is refreshing and captivating, somehow perfectly capturing the essence of the two main characters, both artits and tehrefore very prone to creative descriptions. The story is told in first person narrative by each of the twins, Noah and Jude, and I appeciated how the writing style changed subtly with the shift of perspective - they have very different ways of thinking, refer to very different paramenters, and I found it very interesting to read. The characters have very complex psychology and are well fleshed-out, each of them a universe you can't possibly think to explore thoroughly within the span of a single book. The relationsphis are raw and emotional, especially between Noah and Jude: they are constantly drfiting apart and finding each other again, constantly on the verge of breaking down, without even realizing it. The wonderful thing, though, is that Jandy Nelson manages to make even the minor character come alive, despite having to necessarily give them less screen time. I found myself, as a reader, completely invested in their times and troubles, so much I could barely put down the book. I'll Give You the Sun also deserves a praise for portraying diversity - something I have recently become more sensitive to, and which I definitely appreciate. This portrayal of diversity does not, to me, stop at Noah sexuality, but also regards Jude's relationship with religion and the afterworld, and the presence of a POC. The ending was somewhat too neat, and many issues seemed to be resolved rather too quickly, but it is a book after all, and while I have a love for bitter endings, I can't say I don't appreciate a happy one every once in a while. Overall, I'll Give You the Sun is a book I would definitely recommend, especially to anyone looking for emotional turmoil, great character developement and original prose. A great book that will most defitely leave you wondering about it for a while.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Soul Chaser Volume #1; Author: Nicholette Campbell; Genres: young-adult, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Although I usually tend to keep my distance from the paranormal genre, Soul Chaser had a premise that was just too interesting to be simply ignored. And I'm glad not to have done so, as I definitely enjoyed reading this book. The plot was linear but unexpected, and the concept behind the story, though a bit unclear at first, was explained perfectly further in the book. This is something I appreciated immensely, because authors often forget to explain their ideas, making it very difficult for the reader to fully understand the world they've built. The writing style was neat and pleasant, though it didn't change much when shifting between Raven's and Lucas's POVs, which I would have liked to see. Also, being a short story, the pace was very fast, and while part of me perfectly understands the need to loyally portray Raven's quick flashing from one life to the other, the other part somehow wishes there had been more descriptions, just so you could get to know the various minor characters better. While Raven's psychology was carefully fleshed out, in fact, the other characters were simply defined with a few distinctive traits and felt somehow out of focus. Again, part of me understands that this was probably done to give the reader an idea of what it must be like for Raven, not getting enough time with anyone to ever say she knew them, but the other part would have liked very much to get to know these people better. The ending was unexpected and definitely a great closure for the book, though in the last paragraphs Raven did use a bit of an epic tone. All in all, Soul Chaser was an enjoyable read, original and very well written. I would recommend it to anyone looking for some good paranormal reads, especially if they're looking for something quick but satisfying.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nel mare ci sono i coccodrilli: Storia vera di Enaiatollah Akbari; Author: Fabio Geda; Genres: history, young-adult, children, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Sara che ho un debole per le storie di ragazzi emigrati, ma Nel mare ci sono i coccodrilli mi ha colpita dritta al cuore. Non e un libro pieno di citazioni fantastiche. Non e un libro con personaggi eroici, o contorti, o malvagi. E un libro che non e facile agli eccessi, come non lo e la realta che cerca di raccontare. Perche, alla fine, e esattamente questo lo scopo di libri come Nel mare ci sono i coccodrilli: far capire in modo chiaro e diretto che storie come quelle di Enaiatollah sono vere, che non c'e nulla di inventato, e che e ora che si faccia qualcosa a riguardo. Lo stile e pulito ed efficace: Fabio Geda sa quando e il momento di arrivare dritti al punto e quando invece e bene descrivere piu approfonditamente gli avvenimenti - non infarcisce la storia di dettagli inutili, ma non la rende neanche sterile. La voce narrante e quella di Enaiatollah, ma di un Enaiatollah ormai adulto, che ripercorre con sguardo lucido tutto quello che gli e successo, senza tenere per se nulla, se non i nomi dei suoi genitori e dei suoi fratelli. Ogni tanto sono riportati stralci di conversazione fra Fabio Geda e Enaiatollah, probabilmente romanzati, probabilmente ripresi da conversazioni reali, che arricchiscono il panorama e rispondono alle domande che potrebbero venire al lettore. La trama e un viaggio lunghissimo, durato sei anni, riportato su carta con poca attenzione per i tempi (passano settimane, mesi, anni, nello spazio di una pagina), ma molta per i luoghi e per i fatti. I primi sono tratteggiati con descrizioni brevi, che ne mettono in risalto soprattutto il modo in cui vengono vissuti da Enaiatollah e, per estensione, dai clandestini in generale. Per quanto riguarda i fatti, invece, lo stesso Enaiatollah ribadisce piu volte che sono cio che, alla fine, conta davvero, e io non posso fare a meno di trovarmi d'accordo con lui: dopotutto, si possono dire tante cose, ma cio che verra ricordato, alla fine, e quello che si e fatto.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Days Hotel by Wyndham University Ave SE; City: Minneapolis Minnesota; Review: We stayed here on April 13th for one night because my my wife had to have a medical procedure and we had to be at the u of m medical center at 7:45 am. We got there about 6:10 and decided to wait in the van till about 6:30 and then go pay so we can use the shuttle. Not only did they let us use the shuttle but also let us check in at 6:30 in the morning and even let me and my father in law use the breakfast before we left. Staff was really nice and polite. The shuttle service was efficient and quick. We had to stay for the same reason about a year and couple months before hand and had the same great experience. In face we were so pleased that we are coming back to the area July 4th for a family birthday part and are going to make sure we stay at this hotel!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Days Inn by Wyndham Eagan Minnesota Near Mall of America; City: Eagan Minnesota; Review: Stayed for a family trip to valleyfair on oct 23rd and 24th. Staff was really friendly and accommodating. The rooms were in great condition, only two down sides were that the TVs in both rooms we had were a little fuzzy on some channels and the sauna didn't heat very well but neither of those were big issues or hurt our stay in any way. It is also a close location to valleyfair and was easy to get there and back.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Super 8 by Wyndham Bloomington Airport; City: Bloomington Minnesota; Review: Always a nice hotel, this is our 3rd or 4th time staying here and we've always enjoyed it. Nice breakfast with waffles and yogurt. They just upgraded and it looks good! The staff was very friendly as well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Baymont by Wyndham Lakeville; City: Lakeville Minnesota; Review: Had a great stay, rooms we're clean, the pool and hot tub were awesome as well! They have a hot breakfast with multiple choices and we all loved what we got. We would defiently stay here again if in the area; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Baymont Inn Suites Bloomington MSP Airport; City: Richfield Minnesota; Review: This is a great hotel, room was clean, has a good breakfast and the desk staff was very helpful, we stayed back in October for a viking game so i am late with this review but i needed to find the card i got with the desk-clerks name because i wanted to give him credit, his name is Naif and he was very friendly and knew everything about the area and what we needed to do to get to the game and back. He definitely is great at his job and is fun to talk to.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Marton Arms Hotel; City: Ingleton Yorkshire Dales National Park North Yorkshire England; Review: I was surprised at the atmosphere in the pub. I thought that it would be a quiet little spot, but it was amazingly lively with a great selection of local people in. It has a great feel about it and is a good, solid country pub with no pretensions and a great atmosphere. My only quibble is with the size of the bowl of soup I had. It was miniscule- really tiny, with barely enough soup there for a few spoonfuls. It was good, tasty soup, so the portion size was very disappointing- especially at about £3.70 a bowl. The portions of food on the plates of those around us looked generous enough for the main meals, but if you have the soup, prepared to leave hungry!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crows Hotel Lancaster; City: Lancaster Lancaster District Lancashire England; Review: I ate here with a number of friends who stayed in the hotel for a few days. I had two meals in the restaurant and both meals were distinctly mediocre and lacklustre. The first, the Greek salad, was spoiled by the awful lettuce, which was just thrown underneath the olives and feta in clumps and really lacked any kind of imagination or flavour. I have had some really nice Greek salads where much fresher lettuce was used, and also lettuces of more than one kind, to add colour and flavour. Also, the salad had NO olive oil on it at all! It was tasteless and something you would expect an inexperienced Year 7 pupil to be experimenting with at their first attempt at making a salad in cooking class. The second meal, which was Cajun salmon, was equally as unimaginative. A fillet of salmon with a bit of cajun seasoning rubbed on it! Again, a child could do it. Sorry, Crow's Nest, but in this day and age, when people are a bit more demanding and fussy about what they spend their money on, this kind of food just doesn't attract customers back. I would certainly not eat there again next time I am in Lancaster.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Midtown Hotel; City: Boston Massachusetts; Review: We stayed here for one night and really liked it. The hotel is cosy and friendly and is in an excellent location. I loved the Back Bay area and a walk down Newbury is a must. Beautiful place. Across from the hotel is a really nice plaza and the Copley Mall nearby is gorgeous. A short walk up towards town from the hotel is a great place to eat- Thornton's Restaurant-where the breakfasts are especially good and represent great value. The hotel staff are very freindly and accommodating and the room was comfortable. The decor is a bit tired, yes, but this place does great business and was booked out for the night of our stay, a Wednesday night. I would stay here again without hesitation. It was quiet too and the beds were comfy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Euro Hotel; City: London England; Review: I was in London for just one night at the end of February and stayed here as I was visiting the nearby SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies). I was really pleased with this hotel. It is in a lovely location and the surrounding area of Bloomsbury is just beautiful and so very interesting. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Also very efficient. The room itself was great. It was clean, comfortable and quiet. I slept extremely well. Breakfast was very nice and civilised. There was a really good mix of people and age groups there. The food was lovely and I can only give this place high praise. The price was excellent for this part of London. A friend of mine stayed in student accommodation recently and paid more! I highly recommend this hotel!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grange Lancaster Hotel; City: London England; Review: I liked this hotel a lot. I got my room as a late booking at an excellent price. The location is very central and the hotel itself was very nice. I thought the decor was fine, in spite of what some people have said here. It's perfectly ok. I certainly would not call it shabby. In fact, it is far from that. It is bright, colourful, clean and freshly painted. The member of staff at Reception, Akhil, was friendly, welcoming and helpful. He went out of his way to make sure that I was comfortable. I spent a very enjoyable evening there, slept really well and would stay there again without hesitation.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miller Howe on the Lake; City: Windermere Lake District Cumbria England; Review: We had lunch there and it was wonderful. The meal was flawless, exquisite and delicious. The service was superb. All in all, a great experience. The building itself is beautiful, comfortable and friendly. The staff are amazing and looked after us really well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ramada by Wyndham Middletown Newport Area; City: Middletown Rhode Island; Review: Please, avoid this place at all costs. It is truly dreadful. How they get away with it in a town as nice as Newport, I do not know, but it really is awful. The customer comes last! Run! Do not stay here. For a few dollars more, and I really mean for just a few dollars, you can stay in much better places. You will not regret passing on this place and going elsewhere. I promise you.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Miller Howe on the Lake; City: Windermere Lake District Cumbria England; Review: I agree with a recent reviewer who mentioned a grumpy manager. If it is the same one who took my card for the bill, then he definitely needs a sharp course in how to be friendly to customers. The food was great, as always. The service was very good, especially the young man who served us. The view was amazing. Manager- get your act together and be nice to your customers. It makes a very big difference and you do, after all, run a business.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Royal Hotel; City: Kirkby Lonsdale Cumbria England; Review: Arrived in restaurant lunchtime. Not busy. Only three people at one table in the restaurant. No one at bar area. Nobody showed us to a table. We sat down ourselves. Waited,. No one came to give us menus. After 5-7 mins one of us went in search of someone. Tracked her down. Got menus. Gave order. Food came quickly enough and was nice. No one approached us even once during the meal to ask if all was OK or if we needed more drinks (which we did). Meal finished. No one came. We went in search of someone to pay the bill to. We saw at least four members of staff, but not one of them seemed to be attending to customers. It was a pity as this could be a great place and we have been there before (last year) and had a nice meal there with a great waitress who was very attentive. These days, customers do not like to spend their hard-earned cash in places which don't offer a good experience. Won't be back. The Pheasant at Casterton isn't too far away and our last experience there was tremendous. The Royal could learn a lot from them.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Hotel; City: Bolton le Sands Lancaster District Lancashire England; Review: Enjoyed the place mostly, although I wouldn't say it is over friendly. Quite a lively place with a local crowd. It would need to do more to really make itself attractive to outsiders. It needs to be dragged into the 21st century in marketing terms.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Chanler at Cliff Walk; City: Newport Rhode Island; Review: I haven't really eaten here, apart from some snacks, but I strongly recommend the place. Wonderful atmosphere. Great place to have some wine and other drinks and to just sit with friends looking out over the bay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bayside Hotel; City: Santa Monica California; Review: Great location very near the beach. A lovely hotel, with nice staff and a really nice atmosphere. Santa Monica is a fantastic place and the Bayside is a wonderful place from which to explore it. Great value for money!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Punch Bowl Inn Restaurant; City: Crosthwaite Lake District Cumbria England; Review: I stopped off late afternoon August 18th for a snack from their Light Lunch menu and I was greatly impressed. The food was wonderful, but it was the service that really impressed me. The two guys serving at the bar made everyone feel so welcome and at ease and created a very welcoming atmosphere. Service at its best and the best service I have come across in a very long time. Food, as I said, was lovely and I know that the reputation of Head Chef Scott Fairweather precedes him. This is a real gem in the Cumbrian countryside and I cannot recommend it highly enough. If I lived locally, I could not keep away from the place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Viking; City: Newport Rhode Island; Review: I like this hotel a lot and it is in a lovely part of Newport. Staff are great. Lovely atmosphere and the hotel is always busy. The bar is much too expensive, though. Honestly, it really is, especially compared to better hotels in the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel; City: New York City New York; Review: Had a very good experience here. Excellent location, friendly and comfortable. Great value for money. Would stay here again. The room was very clean and the wi-fi was of a good standard. Good views from our room.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
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